How many of these weird UK laws have you broken?

Here’s a roundup of some of the interesting UK laws that exist. Have you broken any?

UK laws you might not know about

Shaking a rug in the street

A rug (Canva)

While you might think getting up early to give your house a clean is a good way to get the household chore out of the way is a good idea, you might need to reconsider your actions.

It’s illegal to shake rugs, carpets and even mats before 8am under section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 with the exception of door mats.

To be drunk in a pub or licensed premises

Alcoholic drinks in glasses (Canva)

Drinking alcohol in a pub is a popular activity in the UK but becoming drunk in one is against the law.

The Licensing Act of 1872 (section 12) states that if someone is found drunk in a public place they “shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding”.

Flying a kite

A kite in the air (Canva)

If you spend your summer days outside with the family, you could be breaking the law without realising it.

Flying a kite might seem like an innocent activity but it’s actually illegal in a public place.

Section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 prevents danger as well as “annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers”.

Knock on the door and run away

A door (Canva)

The game where you knock on someone’s door and run away shouldn’t actually be played.

The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 says “every person who shall wilfully and wantonly disturb any inhabitant by pulling or ringing any door-bell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse, or who shall wilfully and unlawfully extinguish the light of any lamp” is breaking the law.

Handling fish suspiciously

Brown trout (Canva)

Who knew handling a fish could mean you’re breaking the law?

Holding a fish in “suspicious circumstances”, is an illegal activity according to section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986.