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Glasgow Live

National

Sophie Buchan

Weird laws you may have broken without realising from being drunk to singing happy birthday

TRNSMT United Kingdom

When it comes to breaking the law, we all know there are certain things we can't do without risking the chance of a hefty fine or time behind bars.

And they often don't have to be listed as they're common sense and because of this, many people can safety say that they've never broken the law.

However there are a handful of laws that millions of people across the UK may have actually broken without knowing it.

The UK has a history that spans hundreds of years and in that time we’ve had some pretty strange laws that are still in place today. So with this in mind, the team at BPP University Law School have taken a look back at some of the most unusual laws over the years that you may have broken without even realising.

So what are the 10 weird laws that you may have broken without actually knowing it?

Being drunk in the pub

Though lots of Brits may not be aware, it is actually an offence to be drunk while in a pub. The law is listed under section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act, which says if any person is found to be drunk on a licensed property, they could be fined £200. The law has also stated since 2003 that it is illegal for bar staff to serve drunk people.

Carrying a plank of wood along the pavement

One of the more kooky laws that Brits probably didn’t even know existed, is it being illegal to carry a plank of wood along the pavement within the Metropolitan Police District - not including London. The law also includes carrying poles, ladders and placards.

Paying with your phone at a drive-through with the car still running

Over the past few years, law enforcement involving the use of phones whilst driving has become a lot more strict in order to reduce the number of accidents on the road. But did you know it's actually an offence to pay at a drive-through with your phone whilst your car is still running?

Anyone caught using their handheld device with the car still running could face a fine of £200 and six points on their driving licence - remember that whilst you’re queuing.

Handling Salmon while looking suspicious

Just when you thought you’d heard it all, there is actually a law that means it is illegal for anyone to handle salmon fish in suspicious circumstances, under the Salmon Act 1986.

Yes, really. This could include when a person believes that salmon has been illegally fished or has come from an illegal source.

Playing Ding Dong Ditch

We all remember the game ding dong ditch when a person would knock on someone's front door and then run away before they had the chance to answer it. Well, it turns out that playing that game is actually against the law, as entering a person's property without permission can count as trespassing and could land you with a hefty fine.

Putting a British stamp on upside down

If you are intending to send a letter in the post, then you need to be really careful when adding a stamp. Under UK law, if you post a letter with the stamp upside down it is considered treason, and as a result, you could face really serious consequences.

Shaking a rug in London

The weekend can be the perfect time to catch up with a bit of spring cleaning, but beating and shaking a rug in the street in London is actually forbidden under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. You are allowed to dust off a door mat, however, but it must be before eight in the morning.

Jumping the queue in a tube ticket hall

There's nothing more annoying that folk jumping the queue, especially when you're in a rush yourself.

However before you think about jumping the line when queuing for a tube ticket, you might want to think again as it is actually illegal. If you are instructed to queue you must do so and listen to instructions given by an authorised person.

Singing Happy Birthday to loved ones in public

We all know the feeling of people singing 'Happy Birthday' and us having to awkwardly sit there until they finish. However whilst this can be innocent, it's actually illegal for it to be used on TV or in movies without permission from its owners Warner/Chappell.

The song is held under copyright, meaning any public display of the iconic tune including in restaurants is breaking the law. Some venues have even gone as far as creating their own version of the song so they are still able to sing it to customers!

Walking cows down the street in the daylight

Under the Metropolitan Streets Act, cattle are not actually allowed to be walked through the street during certain times of the day. Should farmers need to move cows during the hours of 10am to 7pm they will first need to seek permission from the Commissioner Of Police.

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