Weird UK laws: real or myth?

Question 1

Is it true that 'Cruel and unusual punishments' are banned by a 1689 law?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Bill of Rights 1689 still forbids 'excessive bail' and 'cruel and unusual punishments'. The US copied the wording into its Eighth Amendment a century later.

Question 2

Is it true that magna Carta ordered all fish traps removed from the Thames?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. Clause 33 of the 1215 charter did demand that fish-weirs be removed from the Thames, the Medway and all of England. It's long since repealed.

Question 3

Is it true that handling salmon in suspicious circumstances is a crime?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986 really is called 'Handling salmon in suspicious circumstances'. It targets dealing in poached fish.

Question 4

Is it true that being drunk in charge of a cow is illegal?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 makes it an offence to be drunk in charge of 'any carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine' on a highway or public place. Loaded firearms too.

Question 5

Is it true that someone was convicted under the Witchcraft Act in 1944?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Medium Helen Duncan was jailed under the Witchcraft Act 1735 in 1944. The Act was repealed in 1951, and the replacement 'Fraudulent Mediums Act' was itself scrapped in 2008 for consumer protection rules.

Question 6

Is it true that calling for a republic is technically a crime?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. The Treason Felony Act 1848 is still on the books, but in 2003 the House of Lords said peacefully advocating a republic could never be prosecuted under it.

Question 7

Is it true that splashing a pedestrian with a puddle can get you fined?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Driving through a puddle to soak someone can be 'driving without reasonable consideration for other persons' under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988: points and a fine.

Question 8

Is it true that you can't honk your horn at night in a built-up area?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. You must not sound your horn while stationary, or when moving in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 7am, except to avoid danger from another moving vehicle.

Question 9

Is it true that you can be convicted for sleeping drunk in your car?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Being 'in charge' of a vehicle while over the limit is an offence, even if the engine is off. It's a defence to prove there was no likelihood of you driving.

Question 10

Is it true that flashing headlights to warn of a speed trap is illegal?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. There's no specific offence, but it could count as wilfully obstructing a police officer. The Highway Code says only flash to let others know you're there.

Question 11

Is it true that driving barefoot is illegal?

Accepted Answer

Myth. No law bans it. But if your footwear (or lack of it) stops you controlling the car, you could be done for careless driving.

Question 12

Is it true that london cabs must carry a bale of hay?

Accepted Answer

Myth. A popular story about horse-drawn hackney carriages. Whatever the old rules said, they were swept away in 1976.

Question 13

Is it true that living together for years makes you a 'common-law wife'?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Common-law marriage hasn't existed in England since 1753. Unmarried couples don't automatically inherit or share property on a split.

Question 14

Is it true that some royals need the monarch's permission to marry?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, the first six people in line to the throne need the sovereign's consent, or they lose their place in line.

Question 15

Is it true that getting married can cancel your will?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. In England & Wales marriage automatically revokes an existing will, unless it was written in contemplation of that marriage. (Not in Scotland.)

Question 16

Is it true that you have a legal right to bank holidays off?

Accepted Answer

Myth. There's no automatic right. It depends on your contract, and bank holidays can count towards your 28 days' statutory leave.

Question 17

Is it true that your boss can keep the tips?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Since 1 October 2024 employers must pass all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers in full.

Question 18

Is it true that 'Squatters' rights' mean you can't remove squatters?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Squatting in a home has been a crime since 2012. 'Adverse possession' of land exists, but usually needs 10–12 years and strict conditions.

Question 19

Is it true that your landlord can pop round whenever they like?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Tenants have a right to 'quiet enjoyment'. Landlords should give at least 24 hours' notice for visits, except in genuine emergencies.

Question 20

Is it true that shops must sell at the price on the label?

Accepted Answer

Myth. A price label is an 'invitation to treat'. The shop can refuse the sale, although misleading pricing can break consumer protection law.

Question 21

Is it true that scottish banknotes aren't legal tender in England?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. True, but they aren't legal tender in Scotland either! They're legal currency, and most English shops accept them.

Question 22

Is it true that a shop must accept cash because it's legal tender?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Legal tender only matters when settling a debt. For everyday sales, a shop can choose what payment to accept.

Question 23

Is it true that a flick-knife in a shop window wasn't 'for sale'?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. In Fisher v Bell (1961) a shopkeeper escaped conviction for 'offering for sale' a flick-knife because a window display is legally only an invitation to treat. Parliament quickly changed the law.

Question 24

Is it true that copying your own CDs to your phone is illegal?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. A private copying exception was introduced in 2014 but quashed in 2015. Technically it's infringement, though no one has been pursued for it.

Question 25

Is it true that you need a TV Licence just to watch iPlayer catch-up?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Since 2016 you need a licence to watch or download BBC programmes on iPlayer, live or on demand.

Question 26

Is it true that flying a kite in a London street can be an offence?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 makes it an offence to fly a kite 'to the annoyance' of others in a street, and to slide on ice or snow in the street.

Question 27

Is it true that knock, knock, ginger is technically illegal?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 it's an offence to 'wilfully and wantonly' disturb people by ringing doorbells or knocking on doors.

Question 28

Is it true that you can only shake a doormat in the street before 8am?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The same 1847 Act bans beating or shaking any carpet, rug or mat in a street, except doormats before eight in the morning.

Question 29

Is it true that you can't drive cattle through London streets in the daytime?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Metropolitan Streets Act 1867 bans driving cattle on London streets between 10am and 7pm without the Commissioner's permission. (Freemen of the City still drive sheep over London Bridge, but only as a ceremony.)

Question 30

Is it true that it's illegal to be drunk in a pub?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. Staff must not knowingly sell alcohol to a drunk person, and a drunk customer who refuses to leave when asked commits an offence. Being merry by itself isn't a crime.

Question 31

Is it true that big shops can't open on Christmas Day?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 stops shops over 280m² opening on 25 December. Large stores also can't open on Easter Sunday.

Question 32

Is it true that a 5-year-old can legally drink alcohol at home?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. It's an offence to give alcohol to a child under 5 (except in an emergency or on medical orders). Over 5, at home, it's not illegal, though the NHS strongly advises against it.

Question 33

Is it true that you can't wear a suit of armour in Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armour 1313 is still in force. It banned coming armed to Parliament.

Question 34

Is it true that it's illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Often voted the 'most ridiculous British law', but there is no such law. The Law Commission found no legal basis for it at all.

Question 35

Is it true that putting a stamp on upside down is treason?

Accepted Answer

Myth. The Treason Felony Act 1848 does mention deposing the monarch, but a wonky stamp isn't treason, nor any crime.

Question 36

Is it true that whales and sturgeon belong to the King?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Under a statute from around 1324 (Prerogativa Regis), whales and sturgeon caught or washed up on the coast are 'royal fish'. Today the Receiver of Wreck must be told.

Question 37

Is it true that the King owns all the swans?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. The Crown claims unmarked mute swans in open water, but in practice only exercises it on parts of the Thames ('Swan Upping'). All wild swans are protected anyway.

Question 38

Is it true that the monarch doesn't need a driving licence?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Driving licences are issued in the monarch's name, so the sovereign is exempt. Other royals still need one.

Question 39

Is it true that an embassy is foreign soil?

Accepted Answer

Myth. Embassies stay part of the host country. The Vienna Convention makes them 'inviolable', so local police can't enter without permission.

Question 40

Is it true that nobody can own the Moon?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. The Outer Space Treaty 1967 bans any nation from claiming the Moon or other celestial bodies. Those 'buy an acre of Moon' certificates are novelty gifts.

Question 41

Is it true that chewing gum is banned in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. Importing and selling gum has been banned since 1992, but chewing it isn't illegal. Therapeutic gum (like nicotine gum) is allowed.

Question 42

Is it true that in Switzerland you can't keep just one guinea pig?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Swiss animal welfare rules say social animals like guinea pigs must have contact with others of their kind. Lonely piggies are against the law.

Question 43

Is it true that feeding pigeons in St Mark's Square, Venice, is banned?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Venice banned feeding pigeons in St Mark's Square in 2008 to protect its monuments. You can be fined.

Question 44

Is it true that high heels are banned at Greek ancient sites?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Since 2009 Greece has banned stilettos and other damaging heels at archaeological sites like the Acropolis.

Question 45

Is it true that running out of fuel on a German Autobahn is an offence?

Accepted Answer

Sort of. Stopping on the Autobahn is banned, so running out of fuel, which is avoidable, can get you a fine.

Question 46

Is it true that japan has a law about waistlines?

Accepted Answer

Really the law. Japan's 2008 'Metabo law' requires adults aged 40–74 to have their waist measured at annual health checks. Nobody is fined for being over the guideline.

Question 47

Is it true that it's illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France?

Accepted Answer

Myth. A popular internet 'fact' with no law behind it.

The law, drawn from the courts up.

The UK Supreme Court

999 or 112 in an emergency

You don't have to carry ID

Income tax bands

Minimum wage rates

No more no-fault evictions in England

Anyone can register with a GP

Phones at the wheel

Faulty goods: 30 days for a refund

Register births and deaths

Register to vote

One country, three legal systems.

Your Rights

Crime & Police

Roads & Driving

Family & Relationships

Work & Jobs

Housing & Renting

Shopping & Money

Online & Data

Everyday Life

How the UK Works

International

Eight laws everyone should know.

Law or Lore?

Magna Carta

Bill of Rights

Acts of Union

Slavery Abolition Act

Votes for (some) women

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Death penalty abolished for murder

Sexual Offences Act

Equal Pay Act

Human Rights Act & devolution

UK Supreme Court opens

Equality Act

Same-sex marriage

Brexit

No-fault divorce

Online Safety Act

Renters' Rights Act

This is not legal advice.