We all like to think that we’re law-abiding citizens, dutifully going about our business, paying our taxes to the almighty state, and considering our fellow men and women. But when you really probe the matter, you actually find that most people are breaking the law, either out of ignorance or, sometimes, out of necessity.
In this post, we take a look at some of the laws that you’re probably breaking right now or, if not, will likely break as you go through life. Many laws that sound good on paper are a nightmare to follow in reality.
Walking Across The Street
Also known as jaywalking, this illegal activity feels incredibly natural. The idea that you’re not allowed to walk across a street without a crosswalk just feels wrong, particularly if there are no cars coming. What’s more, in most countries around the world, it’s not a crime.
People get large fines for so-called jaywalking. In some cities, these can reach as much as $200 – or more than a day’s wages for a lot of people. And what was the harm that was done? Zero.
Failing To License Your Dog
Many people think that getting a dog license is just something that you do so that you can more easily find your hound if it runs away. But that’s not how things work legally. In many parts of the country, dog licenses are a requirement. In other words, you have to have one or face a fine.
Fortunately, they’re not expensive. The most you’ll pay is around $100 and more like $30. Just don’t forget to do it. If the authorities discover that you don’t have a license, they may take the opportunity to behave punitively.
Sharing Medication With Other People
You’re allowed to consume your prescription medication (lucky you), but according to the law, you’re not allowed to pass it around to friends and family. The thinking behind this law makes some sense when you think about it: you don’t know all the side-effects of the drugs that you take. You never know how other people will react.
However, according to studies, the majority of people – around 60 percent – dole out prescription drugs to members of the family and friends. In the eyes of the law, this could be seen in just the same way as handing out illicit drugs. After all, many of the basic substances and compounds in these medications are identical to what you buy on the black market.
Forgetting To Update Your Driving License After Moving Home
This law applies in most countries around the world: the need to update your driving license information when you move home.
Think about it this way: what would happen if you got a speeding ticket? Well, usually, the officer with the speed trap would take a note of your registration and send it off to some central bureaucracy for processing. They would then send any fines to the address associated with your license.
Unfortunately, if you’ve moved to a different address and don’t have mail forwarding set up, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. The authorities will continue sending summons and fines to your previous address and then bailiffs will use various databases to collect large sums of money from you – often thousands of dollars. What’s more, they have ways of finding out your new address. It’s all rather scary! What was a small $150 fine could balloon into a payment of $5,000 plus a court appearance. No, it’s not the same as second degree murder, but it can set you back.
Peeing In The Street
Civilization imposes some heavy penalties on us. And one of them is not being able to unzip your fly and pee wherever you like. Drunk college students beware!
In the US, most states prohibit outdoor display of genitalia. In some states, it is only illegal if you intend to stimulate sexual desire. However, you may also be found guilty of other public indecency laws, so peeing with your ding-dong out isn’t advisable.
Smoking Certain Substances
According to statistics, around 10 percent of people regularly smoke weed. Unfortunately, you can get arrested if the cops find you carrying weed. While it is legal in some states, it is not in others.
If you’re using weed for medical reasons and can prove it, you can usually avoid detention. But smoking weed is one of those activities that many people assume is fine now but, actually, it isn’t.
If you notice your local sheriff or police department is on an anti-drug push, don’t use weed in public. These are the times of year when you are at the highest risk of being charged with a crime.
Drinking Under The Legal Age
You’re not allowed to buy alcohol until the age of 21 in the US and 18 in most other counties. However, the majority of people under the legal age have tried it, and, according to statistics, actually consume around 10 percent of all alcohol bought in the country.
Because of this, disobedience of this law is actually extremely high. Most young people can’t legally drink, but do so anyway.
In many states, local politicians can set their own drinking laws. They have the power. However, they also face disincentives from the federal government if they try to change the current 21 status quo.
Unfortunately, this law isn’t harmless. There’s evidence that postponing the drinking age actually makes alcohol more enticing. It is not a regular part of family life so it becomes taboo.
Talking While Driving
Not all states ban talking on your phone while driving, but most do. Most also ban texting while driving (more than those who ban talking), and around a dozen prevent drivers from touching their cell phone at all while they are at the wheel.
This means that if you’re using GPS apps on your phone, you’re breaking the law, but if you’re using them on your vehicle’s infotainment system, that’s okay. Who said that legalese had to make sense?