Weird Laws in the UK: The United Kingdom is one of the most preferred international destinations for pursuing higher education. Students moving to this country would be amazed to learn that some weird UK laws still exist in this country! These laws must have made more sense in the time that they were framed.
However, at present, some of these laws would look weird and out of fashion. Let’s have a look at a few such laws!
This Blog Includes:
It’s Illegal to Fly a Kite in a Public Place
For a lot of us, flying a kite is just another recreational activity in summer. But, did you know that flying kites in public places is considered illegal in the UK? You heard it right! A law was brought to make it an illegal activity and to prevent it from creating a nuisance or danger to local passengers, as mentioned in the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, section 54.
So, when you explore outdoor adventures in the UK, make sure that flying a kite isn’t one of them!
Also Read: If you are planning to study abroad, then you must read Places to Study Abroad in Europe
You Can’t Gamble in a Library
Gambling has been declared illegal in any library in the UK, as it is considered a public place. The Library Offences Act was put in place to prevent gambling in public libraries.
This act helps in curbing the practice of gambling, as it can be very distracting for those trying to read and focus.
It’s Illegal to be Found Drunk in a Public Place
Section 12 of the Licensing Act of 1872 has declared this to be an offence “Any person found drunk on any highway or other public place, whether a building or not or any licensed premises”.
The act was further amended by the Licensing (Amendment) Act 1988 which extended this prohibition to all public places, including pubs, clubs, and even private homes, if alcohol is being sold there.
You Can’t Shake Your Rug on the Street
It is not quite uncommon for people to clean their rugs or carpets in the street. If you are using accommodation for Indian students in the United Kingdom, then you may think that shaking or beating a rug in the street is a quick and easy way to clean the material.
However, you would be amazed to find out that this is considered illegal. As per section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is illegal for anybody to beat or shake any carpets, rugs, or mats, except for doormats before 8 AM.
It’s Illegal to Dress Up as a Police Officer
This law makes sense and is quite an important one as dressing up as a police officer could lead to confusion among the general public and could also lead to dangerous consequences.
Thus, The Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act 1906 and the Police Act 1996 were put in place to prevent people from impersonating a police officer or army personnel deliberately.
Further Read: If you are planning to move to the UK, then you must read Cheapest Cities to Live in the UK for International Students
FAQs on Weird Laws in the UK
Some of the strange laws that still exist in the UK include not gambling in public libraries and not flying kites in a public place.
It is considered illegal in the UK to clean rugs and carpets in the street. This is perhaps one of the weirdest laws in the UK.
It is difficult to say which country has the weirdest laws as many unusual laws still exist in different countries. However, some countries have weird laws including the UK, Canada, the US, Turkey, etc.
Cleaning carpets and rugs is prohibited by the UK’s Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
Yes, as per section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is considered illegal to fly a kite in a public place in the UK.
The most commonly broken law in the UK is speeding. Many drivers exceed speed limits, often unintentionally, due to varying speed zones and busy roads. Speeding is frequently enforced by speed cameras and police patrols, resulting in numerous fines and penalties.
This blog was all about the weird laws in the UK. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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