Illegalities and Undesirables

When studying for the driving test, I learned a few things are illegal here in Italy that aren't necessarily so in the U.S. It's becoming more and more widespread to require hands-free talking (and texting) while driving, but in Italy it is also illegal to eat and drink while operating a motor vehicle. I got curious and did some research (read: Googled) on other things that are illegal in parts or all of Italy. I found a few illegal things and several other cultural quirks of things that are generally frowned upon which I found amusing.Read on!

1. In many places it is illegal to feed pigeons, particularly near city centers or important monuments. Huzzah! I hate those stinking birds.

2. It is illegal to make cash payments larger than 1000 Euro. For example, our rent will be more than that so we are required to pay electronically, through the banks, to our landlord's account. Apparently this law is relatively new, in the last year or two.

3. In the town of Lerici, a town on the Italian Riviera it is illegal to hang a towel out of the window to dry it.

4. It's not illegal to touch produce with your bare skin, but the grocery stores all provide plastic gloves for you to pick everything up and place it in the bags, which you are supposed to provide yourself. The produce here is generally organic, fresh, and cheap!

5. You aren't allowed into "holy sites" like the Vatican or most churches if you are wearing shorts or skimpy tops.

6. Cappuccino is for breakfast only. Don't order it in the afternoon! This has more to do with it containing milk and thus not helping in digestion after meals. Save the water-based drinks like tea and coffee for afternoons and for after meals. 

7. Chrysanthemums are not good gift-giving or house-warming flowers. They're for funerals.

8. Always keep your headlights on while driving on the highway. And in tunnels.

9. Credit cards are generally not allowed for purchases smaller than 10 Euro. I experienced this a lot in Puerto Rico, and it makes sense to me, especially if the business gets charged a fee for each transaction.

10. Public restrooms are not always free; you are expected to pay or tip an attendant, and it's advisable to keep Kleenex or tissue in your purse just in case the restrooms don't stock it.