If you are contemplating a visit or a move to the United Kingdom, if you have your bags packed, your passport stamped, and your tickets in hand, or even if you are just thinking of planning a trip to the UK, you must familiarise yourself with British law.
The British legal system has evolved over centuries of alterations, legislation, destruction and creation. There are many ancient laws still enforced to this day which might come across as bizarre. Things happen a little differently here. Some laws may be different from what you are used to and some might come across as completely absurd. If you are not aware of what constitutes illegal, you may find yourself in a situation where you will need to contact solicitor to get you out of a pickle.
Here are seven laws that you may not have been aware of, still enforced in Britain today.
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1. It is illegal to shake your rugs out of the window before 8am.
Yup! If you have a dusty rug you MUST wait till 8 am in the morning to shake it out the window. This offence is applicable to all carpets, rugs, and mats. However, door mats seem to have escaped this law and can be shaken free of dust at any time.
2. It is illegal to be drunk in a pub
A strange but true law passed in 1839 by virtue of which you are not allowed to get drunk in a place licensed to sell alcohol. Ironic that you may find yourself fined up to £200 for getting drunk at a place where you go to drink.
3. It is illegal to slide on ice or snow in London
This weird London law prohibits sliding on snow or ice in any street or thoroughfare. This is no joke as the maximum fine for breaking this law is £500.
4. It is illegal to use your phone to pay at a drive-through if your car is running.
Even if your car isn’t moving, as long as your engine is running, you are strictly not allowed to handle your phone. The British are incredibly firm about using phones while driving. The penalty for violating law is £200.
5. It is illegal to attending parties dressed as a policeman or soldier
You may not impersonate a police officer or a soldier at any time. Even if you are dressing up for Halloween or a costume party, you cannot choose to dress as one. Violation can lead to a custodial sentence.
6. It is illegal to fly a kite in a public place
You may be fined up to £500 if you fly a kite in a street or public place in London. Parks and open greens may be okay though as long as your kite does not disturb or annoy anyone else.
7. It is illegal to sing bawdy songs in the street
Any song that may be considered obscene, profane, or rude, may not be sung out loud in the street. The British are known for their politeness so this one isn’t that hard to believe.
