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People Shared 40 Absolutely Normal Things They Can’t Own Because It’s Illegal Where They Live
Interview
Laws are necessary for civilization to survive and thrive, but in some cases, they don’t always make a lot of logical sense. Just because something is legal doesn’t automatically make it morally or socially good. Nor does banning something instantly mean that it’s bad. There are some truly bizarre moments when common sense goes out the window.
One internet user sparked an interesting conversation on r/AskReddit after asking folks about what things are, weirdly enough, illegal to own in their home country. Scroll down for their answers and a quick peek into how every legal system has at least a few flaws.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Swiss law : just one pet guinea pig. It's mandatory to have at least two so they don't get lonely.
Some laws are beyond bizarre and end up sounding utterly hilarious. For example, Birmingham University notes that in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to handle “salmon in suspicious circumstances,” as per Section 32 of the Salmon Act of 1986.
Meanwhile, the Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act of 1906 prohibits you from dressing up as a member of the naval, military, and marine forces. So, you technically wouldn’t be able to wear those clothes to a fancy dress party.
The 1839 Metropolitan Police Act makes it illegal to “wilfully and wantonly disturb any inhabitant by pulling or ringing any doorbell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse.” Nor are you allowed to use “any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare.”
Even weirder, Section 12 of the Licensing Act of 1872 prohibits you from being drunk inside a pub. “Every person found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises” could get a fine.
#2
Native animals. You’re not allowed to keep native animals in Australia without a special licence, but I live rurally & pretty much everyone I know has at least one native animal that they rescued as a baby & fed & it just never f****d off once it grew up, so they have a kangaroo or a bunch of magpies or a wombat just tooling around their property like it owns the place.
Technically they could get into pretty major trouble (fines & jail time) but it’s generally overlooked if you’re not selling them.
#3
US: Brass knuckles. Guns are fine. Knives are fine. But Brass knuckles? Yeah that’s too far.
We reached out to the person behind the online thread, redditor u/solitary_black_sheep. They shared a few thoughts about illogical laws, as well as the virality of online content.
“I don’t think it’s possible to have perfect laws in general,” the internet user told Bored Panda.
“There will always be some strange ones due to historical reasons, strange precedences, unfortunate phrasing, etc.”
They said that they read many interesting answers. “There were many interesting illegal things that overall showed some holes in legal systems of different countries.”
#4
Pet rats.
Alberta is one of the few places that is rat-free and they want to keep it that way.
However, the OP felt a bit surprised by how many people mentioned “various kinds of [psychedelic substances].”
“For me, trying to limit [these substances] makes sense and it’s not normal to own them.”
According to the author, they were surprised by how many people responded to their question online. “I’m happy that so many people found the question interesting,” they said.
They opened up to us that initially the thread and the question were a social experiment of sorts. They wanted to see if they’d be able to create a popular post. The main thing driving the OP? “Just curiosity.”
Redditor u/solitary_black_sheep said that they felt inspired by similar questions that they had seen online. However, they didn’t want to just copy them. Instead, they added a unique twist to make the question unique.
#7
I’m in the USA (Indiana to be exact) and throwing stars were illegal until around a year ago. Open carry is fine, but none of that ninja business.
#8
A warning system for your car to give you a heads up for speed controls.
You are allowed to buy it, but you're not allowed to use it.
Before the legalisation of cannabis you were allowed to buy seeds.
On each pack was a sticker stating, "You are, by law, not allowed to put the contents in soil and water it."
Germany.
#9
Telescope 🔭 [Jordan]
Edit: if you are part of the Jordanian Astronomy association, you can get a permit to import one, otherwise it's forbidden to prevent people from spying.
Most countries have at least a few glaring irregularities in their legal systems. The more you learn about them, the more flaws and inconsistencies you can spot. Some mistakes come down to human error. Others are the byproduct of ancient traditions and anachronistic mores that no longer fit the spirit of the age. While others still are left to be ignored because changing them would not be worth all the trouble.
Overhauling a country’s entire legal system to be consistent, logical, fair and also reflective of the norms and mores of today’s society would be a monumental task. Then factor in the fact that social norms shift and change over time and you realize that you have to constantly update your laws. Realistically, some bizarre (il)legalities will fall between the cracks. And then you’re back where you started, wondering why it’s illegal to own something basic.
#10
It's illegal to own rabbits in my state in Australia, unless you're a registered magician or own a petting zoo type show.
#11
Buying knives if you're under 18 in Scotland.
Sounds legit and reasonable, except that you can vote, get married, have babies and leave home when you're 16.
Had to "break the law" to buy someone some kitchen knives and scissors last week because they couldn't cook anything without them!!
What are the most peculiar laws that you know that are still in effect in your home country, dear Pandas? Are they still relevant or does everyone ignore them?
Do you think that a perfectly logical, constantly updated, and just legal system is attainable or feasible? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Scroll down to the comments and let us know what you think.
#13
A copy of the original Romeo and Juliet. [Because of] suggestive language. 400 words got changed for school copies. New Mexico, USA
#14
New Zealand: A snake. Always wanted a pet snake, but we dont even have them in the zoo they are so unallowed lol.
#17
To be in possession of an unpolished diamond in South Africa. Even if you pick it up on the beach.. punishment: 10 years in prison.
#19
Cuban cigars. I live in the US, up on Lake Erie. Plenty of people I know have gone to Canada and snagged some Cuban cigars to bring back just to say they did.
This is technically a violation of the Trading With the Enemy Act and punishable by up to $50k in fines per cigar, but it’s not generally enforced unless customs think you’re bringing them back to sell.
IMO they’re not that great. Certainly not bad, but not worth the hype they get. Dominican cigars have majorly passed them in quality.
#20
Any laser pointer that isn't weaker than a single LED. Here in Australia, it used to be less than 5 milliwatts, then they changed it to less than 1 milliwatt. The laser pointers that can burn things are usually 1.5 watts or more.
#21
Portugal: Dashcams, police bodycams, etc, here if people didnt have privacy while breaking the law then the court will make the victim pay for the privacy damages to the law breaker and end the case there.
edit: we have some public streets with (goverment) cameras recording 24/7.
#22
The feathers of most native migratory birds are illegal to own in the US. Having a hawk feather, or blue jay feather? Illegal, because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (Nobody is banging down doors about a kid picking up a feather, though.).
#24
Slingshot in Germany.
Back in my day we carved our own. Apparently we were real criminal.
#25
In one state (Western Australia), it is illegal to sell, purchase, take delivery of or deliver more than 50 kgs of potatoes at once. Not sure if this is ever enforced but yeah.
#26
In Ireland it’s illegal to sell and use metal detectors without written consent from the government.
#27
Texas, US: 2 IDs , even if the both have the exact same information, photos , names , ID number , hight , eye colour , everything
If your ID gets lost and you get a new one , and somehow find your old one. You are breaking the law...
#28
Switchblades are illegal in a lot of states. You can have pocket knives, you can have long bladed knives, you can have knives you can open with one hand. You can also have guns.
But switchblades are illegal in a lot of places.
#33
Suppressors/moderators/silencers. Not even for airguns.
I bought an airgun about a year ago. Then I designed and 3D printed a suppressor for it, figuring it would effectively lengthen the barrel a bit for increased accuracy, and it might reduce the report, even if only slightly.
I shared a picture of the finished print on social media and had a bunch of friends immediately comment that I should delete the picture and destroy the print ASAP. I did and then researched it... sure enough owning or possessing a suppressor is illegal (in Canada).
I think someone in politics has watched a few too many action movies and has no real concept of how effective suppressors are.
#35
Changing the bulbs in your car/bike with the same ones with leds. But driving without lights is also illegal. So on my old bike i eather drive illegally with out lights and get run over, ir i drive it with lights but without permission, and could loose my lisence and face +500 in fines...
Wtf switzerland.
#36
California and Massachusetts, US: Stuff like nunchucks. You can have pretend foam ones but you can’t have real ones. Like just let me spin s**t around in my backyard.
#39
Its illegal to have a knife in your lunch box with sandwiches and walk on public.
Just if you want to peel a tomato or a cucumber you can end up in jail.
Country, UK.
What do you think ?
SummerVeE 3 weeks ago
This may get some down votes. As a woman in a big city that can get rough after dark: Not being allowed to carry pepper spray or other personal protection items. I'm not talking dangerous weapons, I mean being allowed to possess things that will inflict minor damage to help a victim ward off a physical attack and escape.
Auntriarch 3 weeks ago (edited)
I don't know where you live Summer, but I was advised by a police officer that it's not illegal to carry old fashioned firm hold hairspray in your handbag. Apparently it's very discouraging
Load More Replies...
Irishwoman abroad 3 weeks ago
The title is once again misleading. Lots of these are not everyday, normal items and many make sense, especially when it comes to protecting wildlife
Mike F 3 weeks ago
Come now, doesn't everyone carry around a few pet kangaroos, and a couple dozen bunnies in a backpack in Australia? 😂
Load More Replies...
Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
Today I learned about regulations regarding the ownership of rats, snakes, guinea pigs, parrots, gorillas and Australian wildlife!
Boo 3 weeks ago
I don't know if this is still illegal, but you couldn't own a raccoon in Michigan.
Load More Replies...
LavenderHippoInAJar 3 weeks ago
California, US: a pet hedgehog. Middle school me was very sad about this
Noelle Mes 3 weeks ago
In the Netherlands you are allowed to have and install a foodshredder in your sink, but you are not allowed to use it.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
In Maricopa County, Arizona, it's (technically) illegal for more than 6 women to live together. It was originally made to prevent brothels, but I doubt it's actually enforced any more.
Jaya 3 weeks ago
That's hilarious. I can just imagine those feminist commune women arguing with the police man "For the last time, we are a feminist group, not hookers!" lol
Load More Replies...
Jenny Mason 3 weeks ago
My pain-killing medications are illegal in many countries (Codeine and Pregabalin).
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
In Florida, it is mandatory to carry a gun if you're driving wearing only a bikini. Not sure how many genders this applies to.
Charlotte A. 3 weeks ago
So if you wear a bikini and a gun belt you can leave the gun out?
Load More Replies...
Metaniel 3 weeks ago (edited)
Edit: I have decided to remove my comment, as it clearly spreader unintentional misinformation. My apologies for this. I have posted my comment based on my experience with law, clearly as a 15 y.o. I was taken advantage of by law enforcement. My apologies.
PFD 3 weeks ago
I see you're joining in the thread tradition of making assertions that are easily disproven with a quick web search. Well done. https://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1889/en18890039_20150766.pdf Chapter 4, Section 4– Self-defence (515/2003).
Load More Replies...
Mike F 3 weeks ago
Well, once again the trolls have managed to put a tinge on what could have been a fun post. Who cares if it's "illegal" to paint a pigeons toenails purple on a Wednesday in Mexico. The fun is in reading these and resisting the urge to fact check every post because, well, absurd?
Kira Okah 3 weeks ago
If you want to present complete tripe as factual, then you are going to get your tripe fact checked. Thes are presented as factual, if you're upset that someone has pointed out that it's bollox, that is on you.
Load More Replies... SummerVeE 3 weeks ago
This may get some down votes. As a woman in a big city that can get rough after dark: Not being allowed to carry pepper spray or other personal protection items. I'm not talking dangerous weapons, I mean being allowed to possess things that will inflict minor damage to help a victim ward off a physical attack and escape.
Auntriarch 3 weeks ago (edited)
I don't know where you live Summer, but I was advised by a police officer that it's not illegal to carry old fashioned firm hold hairspray in your handbag. Apparently it's very discouraging
Load More Replies... Irishwoman abroad 3 weeks ago
The title is once again misleading. Lots of these are not everyday, normal items and many make sense, especially when it comes to protecting wildlife
Mike F 3 weeks ago
Come now, doesn't everyone carry around a few pet kangaroos, and a couple dozen bunnies in a backpack in Australia? 😂
Load More Replies... Traveling Lady Railfan 3 weeks ago
Today I learned about regulations regarding the ownership of rats, snakes, guinea pigs, parrots, gorillas and Australian wildlife!
Boo 3 weeks ago
I don't know if this is still illegal, but you couldn't own a raccoon in Michigan.
Load More Replies... LavenderHippoInAJar 3 weeks ago
California, US: a pet hedgehog. Middle school me was very sad about this
Noelle Mes 3 weeks ago
In the Netherlands you are allowed to have and install a foodshredder in your sink, but you are not allowed to use it.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
In Maricopa County, Arizona, it's (technically) illegal for more than 6 women to live together. It was originally made to prevent brothels, but I doubt it's actually enforced any more.
Jaya 3 weeks ago
That's hilarious. I can just imagine those feminist commune women arguing with the police man "For the last time, we are a feminist group, not hookers!" lol
Load More Replies... Jenny Mason 3 weeks ago
My pain-killing medications are illegal in many countries (Codeine and Pregabalin).
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
In Florida, it is mandatory to carry a gun if you're driving wearing only a bikini. Not sure how many genders this applies to.
Charlotte A. 3 weeks ago
So if you wear a bikini and a gun belt you can leave the gun out?
Load More Replies... Metaniel 3 weeks ago (edited)
Edit: I have decided to remove my comment, as it clearly spreader unintentional misinformation. My apologies for this. I have posted my comment based on my experience with law, clearly as a 15 y.o. I was taken advantage of by law enforcement. My apologies.
PFD 3 weeks ago
I see you're joining in the thread tradition of making assertions that are easily disproven with a quick web search. Well done. https://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1889/en18890039_20150766.pdf Chapter 4, Section 4– Self-defence (515/2003).
Load More Replies... Mike F 3 weeks ago
Well, once again the trolls have managed to put a tinge on what could have been a fun post. Who cares if it's "illegal" to paint a pigeons toenails purple on a Wednesday in Mexico. The fun is in reading these and resisting the urge to fact check every post because, well, absurd?
Kira Okah 3 weeks ago
If you want to present complete tripe as factual, then you are going to get your tripe fact checked. Thes are presented as factual, if you're upset that someone has pointed out that it's bollox, that is on you.
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