17 of the World’s Most Bizarre Tattoo Laws
- In Hawaii, it’s illegal to have a tattoo behind your ear, unless it is done under the supervision of a registered physician.
- North Korea regulates tattoos by content. The word “Love” can’t be tattooed for family—but it can if it expresses your love for North Korea or its Communist Party.
- In Iowa, you can’t get a tattoo if you’re under the age of 18, unless you’re married.
- Denmark has had a law in place since 1966 that makes it illegal to tattoo someone’s head, neck, or hands.
- Japan doesn’t have a current ban on tattoos, but some Japanese stores, pools, bath houses, gyms, hotels, bars, and restaurants still forbid customers with tattoos.
- In Adelaide, Australia, members of motorcycle clubs are banned from operating tattoo parlors.
- Tattooing in Dubai is 100% illegal and when in public, ink has to be covered.
- Oklahoma held onto its tattoo ban until 2006.
- In South Korea, tattoos can only be performed by licensed doctors.
- Some Irish tattoo shops have tattooed people as young as 14, with their parents’ consent.
- Tattoos are mostly forbidden in Malaysia because of the belief that getting a tattoo is changing the way god created you, which many government groups think is a sin.
- Thailand has banned tattoos of Buddha’s head because they are deemed disrespectful.
- Sri Lanka has banned tattoos of Buddha altogether.
- In Massachusetts, tattooing and body piercings were illegal until the law was repealed in 2000.
- In Georgia (US), it’s unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket. This includes permanent makeup.
- Tattooing is illegal in Brookfield, Wisconsin, unless it is for a “medical purpose.”
- People in Iran can actually get arrested for showing body art, and getting a new tattoo just became illegal because it is believed to be the practice of thugs.
Luckily, we are in Austin, and if you want to tattoo Buddha’s face on your face, then power to you.
