The UK has one of the oldest legal systems in the world, dating back over a thousand years. In fact, it operates under three separate legal systems — English law (covering England and Wales), Scots law, and Northern Ireland law.
Over the centuries, countless laws have been introduced, many for good reason at the time. But while society has moved on, some of these laws never got repealed, leaving behind a collection of bizarre, outdated rules that still technically exist today.
From handling salmon suspiciously to flying kites illegally, these strange laws may seem like relics of the past, but they can still be enforced under the right circumstances. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest UK laws, their origins, and whether they still have any real significance today.
What are some of the weirdest laws in the UK?
Over the centuries, the UK has accumulated some truly bizarre laws, many of which still technically exist today. Some were introduced for very specific reasons that made sense at the time, while others are simply the result of outdated legislation that was never officially repealed.
Here are some of the strangest UK laws that remain on the books:
1. It’s illegal to handle salmon suspiciously (Salmon Act 1986)
Yes, you read that right. Under the Salmon Act 1986, it’s an offence to “handle salmon in suspicious circumstances”. While it may sound absurd, this law was originally introduced to combat illegal fishing and the black-market trade in salmon. If you’re caught carrying a fish in a way that raises suspicion, you could technically still be prosecuted today.
2. You can’t be drunk in a pub (Licensing Act 1872)
Here’s one of our favourite outdated UK laws. As unusual as it sounds, under the Licensing Act 1872, it is in fact illegal to be drunk in a pub and anyone who is found drunk in a licensed premises can be fined. This law was introduced to curb public disorder and excessive alcohol consumption. And while it’s rarely enforced today, police still have the power to remove drunk and disorderly patrons from pubs.
3. It’s illegal to fly a kite in a public place (Town Police Clauses Act 1847)
Thinking of taking advantage of a windy day in the park? Not so fast. Under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, flying a kite in a public place is technically illegal if it causes annoyance or danger. This law was originally imposed to prevent obstructions in busy streets but remains an oddity in modern times. It’s also technically against the law to obstruct public streets by hanging your washing or beating carpets.
4. You must give way to stampeding cattle (Common Law)
If you ever find yourself in the path of a stampede, you are legally required to move aside (although you probably should for your own safety too). This unusual common law dates back centuries and was created to protect both people and livestock. While it’s unlikely to be a concern in most urban areas today, it’s still a fascinating legal relic.
5. You can’t shake a doormat after 8am (Metropolitan Police Act 1839)
Under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it’s illegal to shake or beat a doormat on the street after 8am. Originally introduced to help keep streets clean, this law seems almost laughable today. While it’s unlikely to be enforced, it technically still exists.
Do any of these strange laws relate to personal injury claims?
While many of these strange UK laws may seem amusing or outdated, some still carry real-world consequences – particularly when it comes to public safety, liability, and personal injury. Let’s look at a few examples of where breaking these bizarre British laws could lead to real legal problems:
Excessive mud on roads (Highways Act 1980)
Leaving excessive mud on a road is illegal under the Highways Act 1980 because it can cause accidents, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists. If someone is injured due to a slippery road caused by mud, the person responsible for leaving the debris could face liability claims.
Carrying planks on pavements (Town Police Clauses Act 1847)
Another peculiar law under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 makes it illegal to carry planks of wood on the pavement. Though this may sound ridiculous, it was originally introduced to prevent obstructions and injuries. Even today, if someone were to trip over a hazard like this, the person responsible could face liability issues.
Paying with your phone at a drive-through
This is a more modern law, and a great example of how a law made to cover most situations can become odd in unique situations. It’s illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving your car in the UK, and for good reason. But because of that, it’s also against the law to use your phone to pay for your order at a fast food drive-through. Doing so could technically result in you receiving six penalty points on your license and a £200 fine.
Why do these weird UK laws still exist?
The UK legal system has evolved over centuries, but repealing old laws isn’t always a priority. As a result, some outdated and obscure laws remain on the books. In some cases, these laws still serve a purpose, but because modern life has changed, their wording now seems outdated or oddly specific in situations that lawmakers never anticipated.
To repeal a law, Parliament must pass new legislation to override or remove it. However, since many of these laws are rarely enforced, there’s often little incentive to go through the bureaucratic process of repealing them. This is why Great Britain remains home to some of the world’s strangest active laws.
Can you get in trouble for breaking these strange UK laws?
Many of these odd British laws are rarely enforced, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be. While some exist as harmless legal quirks unlikely to lead to prosecution, others, especially those related to public safety, still carry real consequences if broken.
For example, while it’s highly improbable that anyone would be arrested for shaking a doormat after 8am, laws related to road safety such as using a phone while driving or leaving hazardous debris on the road are taken seriously. It’s important to remember that ignorance of the law is not a defence, and even supposedly bizarre and outdated regulations could technically still apply today.
How can Injury Lawyers 4u help with legal claims?
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we understand that navigating the legal system can be complex, especially when it comes to seemingly bizarre, outdated laws. While many of these old laws remain in place, some still have real implications for personal injury and liability claims.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether from an unsafe public space, a workplace hazard, a road accident or in another way, you may be entitled to compensation.
Get in contact with us for a free legal consultation. Our team of expert legal professionals can assess your case and advise you on the next steps to take. With our No Win, No Fee promise you’ll only pay us if your claim is successful.
Call Injury Lawyers 4u on 0333 400 4445 or fill in a contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.