Title: 10 Unbelievable French Laws You Need To Know
Headings: 10 Unbelievable French Laws You Need To Know
10 Unbelievable French Laws You Need To Know
You CAN marry the dead
Women COULDN’T wear trousers in Paris
You CAN’T photograph the police in Antibes
French music MUST be played on the radio
You CAN’T kiss on train platforms
You CAN’T have unlimited ketchup in schools
You CAN’T die in Le Lavandou
You CAN’T fly UFOs over Châteauneuf-du-Pape
You CAN write a check on toilet paper
Your parents CAN block your marriage

Content: In March 2016, MPs voted to lower the quota from 40 to 35 per cent (and 15 per cent for world music stations). The Statue of Liberty and the Maison de la Radio │ | © JeanneMenjoulet&Cie
You CAN’T kiss on train platforms
Since 1910, in accordance with a law introduced by the Société national du Chemin de fer (the precursor to the SNCF), it has been illegal to kiss in French train stations and especially on their platforms. The ban was intended to avoid costly delays to the service and overcrowding in the stations. It’s unclear for how long the law was enforced or, indeed, what the punishment was for an illicit smooch, but there is certainly no formal penalty in place today. Kissing on the train │ | © fabhouess
You CAN’T have unlimited ketchup in schools
In 2011, the French authorities put in place a ban on unlimited ketchup, mayonnaise, and vinaigrette salad dressing in schools in an attempt to boost healthy eating amongst children. There are certain exceptions to this rule, however, including those meals served with French fries. The move is hoped to stem rising obesity rates in the country. According to 2014 figures, 23.9 per cent of the adult population has a BMI over 30, significantly higher than the Netherlands at 19.8 per cent, Germany at 20.1 per cent and Italy at 21.0 per cent, but lower than the United Kingdom at 28.1 per cent and the United States at 33.7 per cent. Tomato ketchup bottles | © Mike Mozart
You CAN’T die in Le Lavandou
In 2000, the mayor of Le Lavandou on the Mediterranean coast found himself in a rather troublesome position: the last grave in the local cemetery was filled at the same time as the regional court denied his request to build a new one nearby.