The law of the land was designed to uphold fairness in society, with most acts listed as illegal making perfect sense.
But different types of laws have come into force over many years, and with some dating back to medieval times there are a number that seem completely archaic and outdated in 2022.
Despite them still being written in the law books, many of the country's rules have been forgotten about – mainly because they’re no longer relevant to modern life.
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Still, technically these acts are illegal and include everything from being drunk in a pub to knocking on someone's door and running away. Here are 10 bizarre UK laws you may have broken, according to the team at BPP University Law School.
Being drunk in a pub
While alcohol is consumed in pubs day in, day out, it is actually an offence to be drunk while in a pub. The law is listed under section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act, which says if any person is found to be drunk on a licensed property, they could be fined £200.
The law has also stated since 2003 that it is illegal for bar staff to serve drunk people.
Carrying a plank of wood along the pavement
One of the more obscure laws you probably didn't even know existed, is it being illegal to carry a plank of wood along the pavement. The law also includes carrying poles, ladders and placards, and it is punishable by a fine of up to £500.
Paying with your phone at a drive-thru with the engine running
Over the past few years, law enforcement involving the use of phones whilst driving has become a lot more strict in order to reduce the number of accidents on the road. But did you know it's actually an offence to pay at a drive-through with your phone whilst your car is still running?
Anyone caught using their handheld device with the car still running could face a fine of £200 and six points on their driving licence - remember that whilst you’re queuing at the drive-thru, and switch off the engine before making a payment.
Handling salmon - while looking shifty
Just when you thought you’d heard it all, there is actually a law that means it is illegal for anyone to handle salmon fish in suspicious circumstances, under the Salmon Act 1986. This could include when a person believes that salmon has been illegally fished or has come from an illegal source.
Playing knock-and-run
We all remember the game when a person would knock on someone's front door and then run away before they had the chance to answer it. Well, it turns out that playing that game is actually against the law, as entering a person's property without permission can count as trespassing and could land you with a hefty fine.
Putting a stamp on a letter upside down
If you are intending to send a letter in the post, then you need to be really careful when adding a stamp. Under UK law, if you post a letter with the stamp upside down it is considered treason, and as a result, you could face really serious consequences.
Firing a cannon within 300 yards of someone's home
The law prohibits anyone from firing a cannon within 300 yards of a residential property. But 301 yards away is seemingly fine.
Singing happy birthday in public performances
No birthday is complete without Happy Birthday being sung to you, but did you know that it's actually illegal for use in public performances without permission from owners Warner/Chappell. Some venues have even gone as far as creating their own version of the song so they are still able to sing it to customers.
Walking cows down the street in daylight
Under the Metropolitan Streets Act, cattle are not actually allowed to be walked through the street during certain times of the day. Should farmers need to move cows during the hours of 10am to 7pm they will first need to seek permission from the Commissioner Of Police.
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