Six Things You Didn’t Know Are Illegal
March 28, 2016 @ 9:33 am
While most people try their best to follow the law, very few are aware of just how many laws are actually on the books. There are many strange and outdated laws that you may have unknowingly already broken. Consider these six following laws found around the country:
1. Going Under The Speed Limit
Most of the time, people are worried about going too fast while on the road. However, a handful of states will also penalize you if you drive too slowly as well. Slow driving laws are on the books in California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada and Alaska. It may seem silly to ticket someone for driving too slowly, but these laws are designed to keep cars from impeding traffic and becoming hazards on high-speed roadways.
2. Ill-Fitting Clothes
You may not be a fashion guru, but it is important to double check your wardrobe in Louisiana and several other states. Most of these laws prohibit any undergarments from being easily visible in public. While laws of this nature may have been intended to keep women covered up a century ago, they have seen a recent resurgence to deal with men and sagging pants. In 2013, Terrebonne Parish in Louisiana passed an ordinance banning sagging pants in public places, which could result in fines and community service for offenders.
3. Playing Pinball
Pinball may seem like an innocent arcade game of a bygone era, but if you play it in South Carolina, you may be in trouble. In the state, Pinball is apparently restricted for adult use only. Any person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to play on a machine.
4. Flirting
Flirting is a common pastime for everyone from pre-teens to retirees, but be careful where you try it. The act of flirting is actually a criminal offense in more places than you might expect. For example, if you flirt in New York City, you may be subjected to a fine. In some parts of Iowa, there are even laws preventing men from winking at women they do not know.
5. Mardi Gras
There is no question that Mardi Gras in Louisiana can get pretty rowdy. However, there are a few laws you should be aware of before heading out for your favorite southern celebration. While throwing things during Mardi Gras may seem commonplace, it is actually illegal to throw things at a Mardi Gras float or from the third floor of any building. If you are in a parade, you should also be aware that throwing condoms into the crowd is illegal. Moreover, television reporters should also avoid throwing anything into the crowd or risk the wrath of the law.
6. Drinking Without Dining
Some states regulate when and how restaurants can serve alcohol. In Utah, restaurants that serve alcohol before serving food at the table may lose their license. There are similar laws in Massachusetts, Texas and more. These laws are designed to control alcohol consumption and curb intoxication, but there could be some debate as to whether or not these laws are successful in that pursuit. An even stranger alcohol law can be found in Kansas. In Topeka, you cannot serve wine in a teacup.
These laws may not be a strong cause for concern, but they do illustrate the detailed (and sometimes peculiar) nature of law. When travelling to other states, it’s important to keep in mind that legalities vary widely from place to place. Double-checking a state’s stance concerning broad topics like alcohol, driving and guns could potentially save you from any unwanted run-ins with the law.
