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! 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!
Table of Contents
- It’s Illegal to Fly a Kite in a Public Place
- It’s Illegal to Handle a Salmon Suspiciously
- You Can’t Gamble in a Library
- It’s Illegal to be Found Drunk in a Public Place
- You Can’t Shake Your Rug on the Street
- It’s Illegal to Dress Up as a Police Officer
- You cannot Wear a Suit of Armour in Parliament
- It’s Illegal to Knock on Someone’s Door and Run Away
- You Can’t Carry a Plank of Wood on a Pavement
- It’s Illegal to Keep a Pigsty in Front of Your House
- You cannot Sing Profane Songs in Public
- It’s Illegal to Transport Corpses in a Taxi
- You Can’t Handle Cows While Drunk
- It’s Illegal to Fly a Flag Without Permission
- It’s Illegal to Die in the Houses of Parliament
- FAQs on Weird Laws in the UK
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!
It’s Illegal to Handle a Salmon Suspiciously
Under the Salmon Act of 1986, handling salmon in a suspicious manner is illegal in the UK. The law was introduced to prevent illegal fishing and selling of salmon. While it may sound amusing, the rule was established to tackle fish poaching. So, if you find yourself in possession of a salmon, be sure to handle it responsibly!
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
You cannot Wear a Suit of Armour in Parliament
According to a law from 1313, wearing a suit of armour inside the Houses of Parliament is prohibited. This law was enacted to prevent violence and ensure the safety of the parliamentarians. Although it’s unlikely you’ll be wearing medieval armour to a modern-day visit to Parliament, it’s good to know the rule still stands!
It’s Illegal to Knock on Someone’s Door and Run Away
Known as “Knock, Knock, Ginger”, this childhood prank is actually illegal in the UK. The Malicious Communications Act 1988 prohibits causing alarm, distress, or annoyance to others. If caught, you could face legal consequences. So, it’s best to avoid pulling off this trick in your neighbourhood!
You Can’t Carry a Plank of Wood on a Pavement
Under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement in London. This law was originally created to ensure public safety and prevent accidents. While it’s rarely enforced today, it’s a reminder of how laws were once crafted to regulate street behaviour.
It’s Illegal to Keep a Pigsty in Front of Your House
The Town Police Clauses Act 1847 states that keeping a pigsty in front of your house is against the law. This rule was introduced to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in public spaces. If you ever decide to keep farm animals, make sure your pigsty is well-hidden from the street!
You cannot Sing Profane Songs in Public
According to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, singing obscene or offensive songs in public is a punishable offence. This law was implemented to maintain public decorum. If you’re planning to sing your heart out on the streets, make sure it’s a family-friendly tune!
It’s Illegal to Transport Corpses in a Taxi
While it may sound odd, London taxi laws prohibit the transportation of dead bodies in taxis. Only licensed vehicles such as hearses are permitted to carry corpses. This law ensures proper respect and protocol are maintained during the transportation of deceased individuals.
You Can’t Handle Cows While Drunk
Under the Licensing Act 1872, it is illegal to be intoxicated while in charge of a cow, horse, or even a steam engine. The law was introduced to prevent accidents caused by careless behaviour. So, if you’re attending a countryside event, it’s best to stay sober around the animals!
It’s Illegal to Fly a Flag Without Permission
Flying a flag may seem harmless, but in the UK, you need permission to fly certain flags. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 regulates which flags can be displayed without consent. While national and regional flags are generally allowed, flags with advertising or personal messages may require official approval.
It’s Illegal to Die in the Houses of Parliament
It may sound bizarre, but it is believed to be illegal to die within the Houses of Parliament. This myth is often repeated, though no official law directly states this. The claim is linked to the idea that those who die in the building are entitled to a state funeral. While it remains a popular tale, it’s more of a fun conversation starter than a genuine law!
These unusual laws add a touch of humour to the UK’s legal history. While many are no longer enforced, they certainly make for interesting stories. If you’re studying abroad in the UK, exploring these quirky rules can be a great way to learn about the country’s past.
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.
Yes, feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square is banned. It’s a rule to prevent overcrowding and maintain cleanliness, making it one of the quirky regulations in the UK.
Yes, if your kite flying causes annoyance or danger in a public place, you could face a fine. This is covered under the Metropolitan Police Act.
Yes, it’s illegal to beat or shake a carpet, rug, or mat on public roads. However, shaking out a doormat before 8 am is allowed.
Not really. Most weird laws in the UK are rarely enforced and are often seen as outdated. However, they are still technically part of the legal system.
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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