It’s fair to say that the 1970s were much more relaxed compared to today, meaning rulers were more lenient, safety standards were almost nonexistent, and people were much more carefree. Some of these behaviors are bound to bring back fond memories for those who lived through them, but when you compare them to laws in the 21st century, many seem absurd.
What was once seen as acceptable or even normal in the ’70s could get you into serious trouble if you tried it today.
Letting Kids Ride in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Kids riding in the back of pickup trucks used to be a common sight, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. It wasn’t unusual to see a group of kids sitting on the truck bed, laughing and waving to passing cars. Back then, it was simply seen as part of the fun, a way for families to travel without much thought about safety.
Times have changed, and most states have implemented strict laws that require all passengers to be safely restrained inside the vehicle. Riding unrestrained in the back of a truck is not only considered unsafe but also illegal in many places, and it would undoubtedly result in hefty fines or legal trouble.
Drinking and Driving
The culture around alcohol was drastically different in the 1970s. It wasn’t unusual for people to leave a party or a bar after a few drinks and drive home without a second thought. Open containers in cars were also fairly common, and many drivers even drank while behind the wheel. Drunk driving was not as stigmatized as it is now, and the legal consequences were far less severe.
Smoking in Public Places
Smoking indoors was not only acceptable in the 1970s but was often expected. Restaurants, airplanes, offices, and even hospitals had designated smoking areas, or no restrictions at all. It wasn’t uncommon for doctors to smoke in their offices or for parents to light up around their children without anyone batting an eye.
Hitchhiking
Standing on the side of the road with your thumb out was a symbol of freedom and adventure in the 1970s. Hitchhiking was a widely accepted way to travel, and many people didn’t think twice about picking up strangers or hopping into someone else’s car. It was seen as a practical, cheap, and adventurous way to get from one place to another.
Ignoring Seatbelts
Back in the ’70s, seatbelt use was optional at best. Many cars didn’t even come with seatbelts in the back seat, and those that did often went unused. It wasn’t uncommon to see kids standing up in the back of a car, climbing over seats, or even sitting on their parents’ laps in the front. The idea of seatbelt safety simply wasn’t part of the conversation for most families.
Leaving Kids in the Car Alone
Parents running quick errands in the ’70s often left their kids in the car while they dashed into the store. It was a convenient and normal practice that didn’t raise any eyebrows at the time. People didn’t think about the risks of heatstroke, abduction, or accidents the way they do now.
Laws have since been put in place to prevent children from being left alone in vehicles, and the consequences for doing so can be severe.
Corporal Punishment in Schools
In the 1970s, it wasn’t unusual for teachers and principals to use corporal punishment as a way to discipline students. Tools like paddles or rulers were kept on hand, and students were well aware that acting out could result in physical punishment. Many parents supported these practices, believing they taught children respect and responsibility.
Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike was almost unheard of in the 1970s. Kids would ride freely through neighborhoods, down busy streets, and even on highways without a single thought about head protection. Helmets weren’t even widely available, and there was little to no education about the risks of head injuries.
Over the years, helmet laws for both children and adults have been introduced in many areas, and the importance of bike safety is now a major focus.
Playing with Fireworks
Fireworks were a staple of summer celebrations in the ’70s, and it wasn’t just adults handling them. Kids often lit firecrackers, sparklers, and even more powerful fireworks without much supervision. It was considered part of the fun, and safety precautions were rarely a priority.
Driving Without a License or Insurance
In the 1970s, borrowing a family member’s car without a proper license or insurance wasn’t all that uncommon. Teenagers often learned to drive on backroads or in empty parking lots, and some even ventured out onto real roads before they had an official license. Car insurance wasn’t as heavily enforced either, and some families didn’t bother with it unless it was absolutely required.
Public Drinking
Carrying around an open can of beer or sipping a drink in public was not a big deal in the ’70s. People would enjoy alcoholic beverages at parks, beaches, or even while walking down the street without much concern. Open container laws weren’t strictly enforced in many areas, and the casual approach to public drinking was just part of the culture.
Burning Trash in Your Yard
Burning household trash in your backyard was a common practice in the 1970s, especially in rural areas. People didn’t think much about environmental impact or air quality, and it was seen as an easy way to dispose of waste. Trash bins were often smaller, and burning seemed like a convenient alternative.
Modern environmental laws have made open burning illegal in most areas due to concerns about air pollution, health risks, and fire hazards.
Letting Teens Buy Cigarettes
The 1970s had far fewer restrictions on cigarette sales, and it wasn’t uncommon for teenagers to walk into a store and buy a pack of smokes. Age verification was rarely enforced, and vending machines selling cigarettes were widely accessible in restaurants, bowling alleys, and even schools. Parents didn’t always see it as a big deal either, with many teens smoking openly at home or in social settings.
Drinking at a Younger Age
The legal drinking age in the ’70s was lower in many states, and even where it wasn’t, enforcement wasn’t nearly as strict. It wasn’t uncommon for 18-year-olds to legally buy alcohol or for younger teens to drink at parties with little fear of getting into trouble. Fake IDs weren’t as scrutinized, and social norms around underage drinking were much more relaxed.
In this era, the legal drinking age of 21 is strictly enforced across the United States, and underage drinking comes with serious legal penalties for both the individual and anyone providing the alcohol.
Littering Without Consequences
Littering was so widespread in the ’70s that it was practically part of everyday life. People thought nothing of tossing soda cans, candy wrappers, or cigarette butts out of car windows or onto sidewalks. Public awareness about environmental issues was still in its infancy, and the concept of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” hadn’t yet gained traction.