Sometimes, it’s our actions that seem the most innocent, which land us in the largest amount of hot water, and this is certainly the case with many laws in the United States. There’s a long list which will seriously leave you scratching your head, wondering if they’re actually real.
While these laws might not make the front page, they do exist, and breaking them could result in a fine or worse. Let’s take a look.
Collecting Rainwater on Your Property
It’s hard to imagine that something as simple as collecting rain that falls on your own property could be against the law, but in some places, it actually is. Water rights laws, particularly in Western states like Colorado and Utah, are the reason behind this. These laws prioritize water for streams, rivers, and other water systems that provide for agriculture, municipalities, and wildlife.
Even if the rain falls directly on your roof, it’s considered part of a system that someone else might legally have rights to and while most homeowners won’t be arrested for setting up a rain barrel, fines are a real possibility.
Sharing Passwords for Streaming Services
Handing over your Netflix or Hulu password might seem like no big deal, but when you share a streaming password, you’re actually violating the service’s Terms of Use, which explicitly state accounts should only be used by members of the same household. Beyond that, in some states, sharing passwords for paid services could fall under laws related to unauthorized access to a computer system.
Jaywalking in Busy Cities
Maybe you were in a hurry, or maybe there just weren’t any cars in sight, but walking across the street when you aren’t supposed to is something everyone has done at least once. Whatever the reason, jaywalking is illegal in many places and can result in a fine.
Using Public Wi-Fi Without Permission
Public Wi-Fi is everywhere these days, including coffee shops, hotels, and even your neighbor’s house if they have an open network. While it might seem harmless to hop onto a free connection, doing so without explicit permission could land you in legal trouble.
Unauthorized access to a network, even one without a password, can violate federal and state computer laws. Hotels and cafes often consider their Wi-Fi part of the service they’re selling, so if you’re not a paying customer, they could claim you’re stealing resources.
Feeding Wildlife in Public Areas
It might feel kindhearted to feed a squirrel a peanut or toss bread to ducks at the park, but in many places, this is actually illegal. Cities and states across the U.S. have rules against feeding wildlife for good reasons. For one, feeding animals can disrupt their natural diets and make them reliant on humans for food.
Throwing Away Batteries in Regular Trash
When you’re cleaning out a junk drawer, tossing old batteries into the trash might seem like the simplest option. However, it’s illegal in several states to dispose of batteries this way due to the environmental harm they can cause. Batteries contain chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water if they end up in landfills.
States like California have strict regulations requiring batteries to be taken to recycling centers or hazardous waste facilities. Taking a few extra minutes to recycle them is not only better for the planet but could save you from a potential legal headache.
Failing to Update Your Driver’s License After Moving
Life gets busy, and updating your driver’s license probably isn’t the first thing on your to-do list after a move. But in most states, you’re legally required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of your new address within 30 days, or sometimes even sooner. Failure to do so could result in fines, especially if you’re pulled over and your license doesn’t match your current address.
The reasoning is that your address is used for everything from jury duty summons to voter registration, so it needs to be accurate.
Texting While Driving
Most people know that texting while driving is dangerous, but many don’t realize how strict the laws have become. In nearly every state, texting or using your phone while driving is illegal, and the penalties are no joke. Even holding your phone in your hand is against the law in some states.
Cutting Down Trees Without Permission
If you’re considering removing a tree from your property, you might want to double-check local ordinances first. In many cities and towns, cutting down a tree, even one in your own yard, can require a permit. The reasoning is often tied to environmental concerns, as trees contribute to air quality, shade, and wildlife habitats.
Removing a Shopping Cart from a Store’s Property
It might seem harmless to wheel a shopping cart to your car or even back to your apartment, but taking a cart off store property is technically theft in many areas. Shopping carts are expensive for stores to replace, and laws have been enacted to discourage people from taking them.
In some cases, you could face fines or even misdemeanor charges for removing a cart from a store’s premises.
Driving Barefoot
Even though driving barefoot might sound freeing, especially on a hot summer day, in some states, it’s considered reckless driving. The reasoning is that barefoot driving could make it harder to brake or control the car in an emergency. While the law isn’t explicitly written in every state, police can use it as a basis to issue a ticket if they believe driving without shoes contributed to unsafe driving.
Throwing Out Certain Electronics
If you’ve ever tossed an old computer or phone in the trash, you might have unknowingly broken the law. Many states, like California and New York, have e-waste regulations that require electronics to be recycled at designated facilities. The chemicals in electronics, like lead and mercury, can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill.
Using a Fake Name Online
You might want to think twice about creating a fake social media profile or using a pseudonym online. It might feel harmless, but it can be illegal depending on how it’s used and under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, impersonating someone or using a false identity to deceive others could lead to legal trouble. This is especially true if the fake name is used to commit fraud, harassment, or access restricted information.
Spitting on the Sidewalk
Cities like New York and San Francisco have regulations against spitting in public, and violations can result in fines. Laws prohibiting spitting on sidewalks are often tied to efforts to reduce the spread of diseases. While enforcement is rare, these laws are still on the books and could be used against you if someone decides to file a complaint.
Washing Your Car in Your Driveway
Believe it or not, washing your car in your own driveway is restricted in some cities and states. The reasoning often has to do with water runoff, which can carry soap and chemicals into storm drains and pollute local waterways. Areas with strict water conservation laws, like California, also discourage driveway car washes to reduce water waste.
If caught violating these rules, you could face fines or be required to change your car-washing habits. Consider using a commercial car wash or washing your car on a permeable surface if you want to stay on the right side of the law.