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Every entry checked against the statute, or shown to have no statute behind it.

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Japan's Vending Machine Rules: Stricter Than You Think — But Not Quite Like the Rumor

Japan does require product-specific permits for vending machines selling alcohol, tobacco, milk, and cooked food, and machines universally display operator contact information. However, the claim that ALL vending machines must be 'registered with the local government' is incorrect — most common machines (sealed non-alcoholic drinks, frozen food, dry goods) require zero government registration.

Confirmed Myth

Austria

No, Austria Does NOT Fine People for Wearing 'Fake' Lederhosen

The claim that Austria (or the Tyrol region) has a law making it illegal to wear lederhosen that fail traditional craftsmanship standards — with fines for 'fake' costume — is false. No such statute exists at the national or provincial level.

Partially True

Austria

In Austria, Honking Your Horn Is Almost Always Illegal

Austria's Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960 (StVO) prohibits sounding a car horn unless required by traffic safety, with designated 'Hupverbot' (horn prohibition) zones — like Vienna — imposing an even stricter standard. The law is real, but the commonly cited fine of €100 is wrong: the statutory maximum is €726.

Confirmed Myth

Ethiopia

No, Ethiopia Does NOT Ban Chewing Gum in Public Trash Cans

A widely circulated claim states that Ethiopia makes it illegal to dispose of chewing gum in public trash cans, with fines up to 500 Ethiopian Birr. Exhaustive research finds no such law exists anywhere in Ethiopian federal or municipal legislation.

Partially True

Estonia

Estonia Bans Names of Famous Historical Figures — But Not How You Think

Estonia's Names Act does prohibit using the name of a well-known historical figure — but this restriction applies only to adults changing their *surname*, not to parents choosing a given (first) name for a newborn child. The popular claim misidentifies both the type of name affected and the reason behind the rule.

Partially True

Taiwan

Taiwan Law Really Does Require You to Carry Your ID Card at All Times

Taiwan's Household Registration Act explicitly mandates that nationals with household registration must carry their National ID Card at all times. However, the claim that police can issue an on-the-spot fine is an overstatement — penalties are assessed administratively by Household Registration Offices, not handed out roadside by police.

Confirmed Myth

Taiwan

Taiwan Does NOT Fine Non-Voters — The Compulsory Voting Myth Debunked

Contrary to a widely circulated claim, Taiwan does not have compulsory voting and imposes no fine on citizens who choose not to vote in presidential or legislative elections. Voting in Taiwan is entirely voluntary.

Partially True

Austria

Austria Bans Brand Names as Baby Names — No, You Can't Call Your Kid 'Nutella'

Austria genuinely prohibits parents from giving their children names that are brand names or product names, as part of a broader child welfare naming law. However, the framing that a 'government approval' process exists to bypass this ban is misleading — brand names are categorically rejected, not subject to a special approval pathway.

Partially True

Russia

Russia Bans Numbers, Profanity & Titles as Baby Names — But NOT 'Offensive' Ones

Russia does have a federal law restricting what parents can name their children, but it targets numbers, symbols, obscene language, and official titles/ranks — not names deemed offensive to national dignity or historical figures, as the claim suggests.

Partially True

China

China Requires Government Permission to Reincarnate — But Only for Buddhist Lamas

China's State Religious Affairs Bureau Order No. 5 (2007) makes it illegal to recognize a Tibetan Buddhist 'Living Buddha' (tulku) reincarnation without multi-level government approval. The law is real, but the popular claim that it applies to all Chinese citizens reincarnating is false — it targets the institutional recognition of senior lamas.

Partially True

Russia

Russia Can Fine You 300,000 Rubles for Disrespecting Its Flag Online

Russia's 2019 'Disrespect to Authorities Law' makes it illegal to publish content online that shows 'blatant disrespect' for Russian state symbols, including the national flag. Fines of up to 300,000 rubles apply to repeat offenders, and up to 15 days in jail is possible — but it is an administrative offense, not a criminal one.

Confirmed Myth

Uruguay

Uruguay Does NOT Force Prisoners to Vote — Most Can't Vote At All

The claim that Uruguay requires all incarcerated prisoners to vote and extends their sentences for non-compliance is entirely false. In reality, most convicted prisoners in Uruguay have their voting rights suspended by the Constitution, and a structural legal barrier prevents even eligible inmates from casting ballots.