Some seemingly redundant things teeter on the line of legality. It may not be illegal per se, but it can easily implicate you in nefarious activity. These infractions can lead to penalties, including fines, community service, or jail time. Granted, laws vary from state to state, so it’s best to research the ordinance for your jurisdiction. Here are 10 things you didn’t know had legal implications.
Littering
You might think tossing an empty aluminum can out the window of a moving car is harmless. However, some materials, like aluminum, do not degrade and break down. The can can cause ripples in an ecosystem. Also, littering is illegal in most states. If you’re caught littering, these laws carry penalties such as fines, community service, or even jail time. Do the right thing. Keep our Earth clean.
Jaywalking
Crossing the street outside the crosswalk is called jaywalking and is illegal in some states. People jaywalk to make crossing the street more convenient, but it is considered a safety hazard. You put yourself and other drivers at risk for serious injury. To ensure public safety, please only cross the street at designated crosswalks. It might take you a little longer to get to where you’re going or get around a huge crowd of pedestrians. It’s better to be safe.
Fake Online Names
It’s not necessary to use a fake name on a social media account to browse other people’s profiles, but it is if you are engaged in criminal activity. One of the most well-known scams is known as “catfishing.” People pose as others, using their names and pictures to convince their victims to send them money. Use a fake name for an anonymous account—just don’t swindle people out of money.
Spitting
We usually spit when something tastes disgusting. Get that terrible taste out of your mouth as quickly as possible. But be careful. If you spit on someone, it could be considered assault or battery. The penalties range from fines to jail time. Some jurisdictions, such as cities, have laws or ordinances to prohibit spitting in certain areas, like on public transit. If you get into a confrontation, avoid spitting. That will escalate things and end badly.
Password Sharing
While sharing your password isn’t explicitly illegal, it usually breaches the contract and presents a civil liability. Generally, you should be the only person to know your passwords. Although it seems like an easy way to get your favorite streaming services, don’t try and trick the system. If you use a streaming service, you should have a subscription.
Downloading Music For Free
Who downloads music instead of streaming these days? Not many. But if you want to download them onto your device, be careful with which website you use. If the material is copyrighted and is being shared without permission, this is illegal conduct. Unsure? Your safest bet is to use an online streaming service and avoid it altogether.
Using Public Wi-Fi
Maybe you’re really good at guessing McDonald’s Wi-Fi network password: Ch1ckenNugg3ts. If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network without consent, you are at risk of breaking the law. Make sure you only use the public Wi-Fi that customers have permission to use. Furthermore, if you are performing illegal activities on the network, that could incur fines or even jail time.
Using a Cellphone While Driving
In many states, using a cellphone while driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries. That’s why many have laws that prohibit its use while driving. The cellphone can be a huge distraction, and you put other people at risk of serious injury or even death. Do yourself and everyone else a favor: wait to respond to that text message and keep your eyes on the road.
Eating Something Before Buying It
Here’s an odd one. If you eat something before buying it, it’s technically theft. Stores have the right to determine how they handle the situation. While uncommon, a company could press charges, and you’d be subject to fines, community service, or jail time. Be on the safe side and wait until after you pay to take a bite. Plus, your satisfaction level will increase when gratification is prolonged.
Public Intoxication
In many jurisdictions, public intoxication, or “drunk and disorderly,” is illegal and considered a misdemeanor. It could result in penalties such as fines, community service, or jail time. Someone is less likely to get in trouble with the law if the intoxicated person maintains proper behavior. Hold your liquor and be in the privacy of your own home if you want to get plastered.
