Four most useless rules in China

Regulations and laws are always introduced with the best intentions, but some have been incapable of fulfilling their task, others simply not enforced.

Beijing News highlighted four regulations and laws that fail.

Home visit law

The newly amended Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly, which came into force on July 1, designates that those who live separately from their elderly parents should visit them regularly. Experts pointed out that this regulation is just a guide representing a value orientation but unpractical to take enforced measures against violators.

Outdoor workers

Working outdoors should be suspended when the temperature surpasses 40 C, according to the State Administration of Work Safety, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and All China Federation Trade Union. The regulation is rarely enforced.

Smoking ban

The Implementation Rules on Regulations on Public Places Sanitation Administration has stipulated that the no-smoking signs should be installed in public places and staff should stop smoking, but rarely say a word. Since the rule came into force in Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province in Sept 2010, only 19 punishments have been executed.

Pet dog registration

The provincial and municipal rules on pet dog registration were issued decades ago to require compulsory registration for all pet dogs. The high cost of enforcing the rule has prevented it taking effect. In Guangzhou, for example, the procedure for punishment of the violation will involve more than 10 policemen over two weeks.