Unless you are a full time lawyer, it is exceptionally unlikely that you will be aware of every single criminal offence that it is possible to commit.
If we are honest, we doubt that many lawyers will know about some of the offences on this list.
Of course, some of the offences mentioned in this article are rarely, if ever, enforced and may simply exist because the historical legislation has never been changed, but it is still worth a read as we take a journey through some of the stranger laws that exist in the country we call home.
Using your phone at a drive through
Most of us are aware that you should never use your phone whilst driving, even when stopped at a traffic light, but did you know that you could actually be committing a crime when you pay for your food at a drive through?
If your engine is turned on, and your handbrake is not applied, you are judged, by law, to still be driving and reaching out of the window to pay for your food using contactless payment is against the law.
Given the hefty £200 fine and 6 licence points on offer to those using their phone at the wheel, it is definitely worth taking a few extra seconds to turn off your engine when you reach the payment window.
Playing ‘chappy’
‘Chappy’, ‘knock door run’, ‘ding dong ditch; whatever you called it as a kid, knocking on a door and running away before the door is answered is actually illegal in the UK. Seems a bit harsh for a bit of youngster hi-jinks right?
Well, not according to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. You would be very unlucky if your child was arrested for this offence these days, but you never do know and it could certainly land them a pretty stern talking to from the local bobby.
Either way, the knowledge is a good incentive to ensure your kids are behaving themselves when out and about.
Breach of the peace
Unlike some of the other crimes on this list, you have almost certainly heard of breach of the peace. You might not have realised that it was a crime however, which is probably because it isn’t, except in Scotland.
In Scotland, Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Act 2010, made it illegal to take actions that may cause fear or alarm to a reasonable person.
This can include anything from shouting in an aggressive manner to sending abusive text messages. If you have been accused of such a crime you should seek out a specialist breach of the peace lawyer as soon as possible.
Impersonating a Police Officer
Another one on the list that is enforced and certainly can land you in legal trouble.
Dressing up as a police officer, or a soldier is illegal following the Police Act 1996 and the most severe penalty for the offence is a spell behind bars. Probably worth a rethink on your next fancy dress party outfit!