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People Break Down Which Things Are Surprisingly Illegal

People Break Down Which Things Are Surprisingly Illegal
police car at street
Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash
John Curtis
By John CurtisSep 07, 2022
John Curtis
A novelist, picture book writer and native New Yorker, John is a graduate of Syracuse University and the children's media graduate program at Centennial College. When not staring at his computer monitor, you'll most likely find John sipping tea watching British comedies, or in the kitchen, taking a stab at the technical challenge on the most recent episode of 'The Great British Baking Show'.
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In all likelihood, we all may have broken the law without realizing it.

Simply by streaming our favorite movie.

Surprising as it may seem, password sharing on streaming platforms is a federal offense, but is done regularly.

But that is indeed one of the many surprising things which is, in fact, illegal.

Leaving one to wonder, what other illegal activities are there out there which may surprise us?

Redditor EvilPilotFish was certainly curious to find out, leading them to ask:
"What is surprisingly illegal?"

Resist The Urge For French Fries...

"If in Western Australia, possessing more than 50kg of potatoes."

"Yep, you read that correctly."

"Potatoes."- Eldaas

Remember That Change Of Clothes

"In Germany it's legal to break out of prison, but not in your prison uniform, because that would be stealing."- Limp-Sundae5177

Someone Was Ahead Of The Curve

"It is illegal to parachute inside St. Peters basilica in the Vatican after a person did it."

"They had to create that law specifically for him."

"He walked away with no charge, as the law did not exist."- Lexinoz

Here We Go Discovery GIF by Shark WeekGiphy

Watch Your Language!

"In the most southern island of the Caribbean, Trinidad, and Tobago, it's illegal to curse publicly."- 15Blins

Good Hygiene Is Important!

"In my country, not having at least one bidet installed per home."

"The country is Italy."- maseioavessiprevisto

Dress Codes

"A lot of European countries have really old laws that were never repealed so they look really odd today."

"For example, in France a woman must first get permission from the police if she wishes to dress like a man."

"And in the UK it's illegal to wear an 'outrageous" double-ruff within 100 yards of the Queen."- BitFlippery

A Hose Will Have To Do

"You can't put a donkey in a bathtub in my state."- obi-juan-kenobi_66

Oh No Deal With It GIF by DreamWorks AnimationGiphy

So Much For Generosity!

"Paying expired parking meters that aren't your spot."- Little_Lahey_Show

Be On Your Best Behavior!

"Alarming the Queen."

"Section 49 of the Criminal Code of Canada."

"Sentence of up to 14 years in prison."- ScamboOfDoom

Bored Queen Elizabeth GIF by Madman FilmsGiphy

Best To Stay On A Boat

"In several states, it's illegal to fish from horseback."

"Just google stupid fishing laws."

"There are lots of them."- SnootchieBootichies

It's especially important to know these laws when visiting a foreign country.

As you always want to be on the right side of the law.

But if you still don't feel ready to stop using your friend's Netflix account, no judgment at all.

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