Little Legal Transgressions: Breaking Laws Unknowingly Each Day

Most people think of themselves as law-abiding citizens, but the average person commits several crimes a week, from speeding and texting while driving to not wearing a seatbelt or even using someone else's Wi-Fi. While some of these offences may seem minor, they are still illegal and can carry penalties ranging from fines to jail time. In fact, a poll by onepoll.com found that 58% of people view breaking the law as OK if the crimes are minor, and 20% don't see them as illegal at all because everyone else does it. So, the next time you're tempted to break the law, remember that you're not alone, but you could still face legal consequences.

Speeding, texting, or talking while driving

Texting and driving is dangerous and can have serious consequences. If caught, you can expect a fine, and in some states, a ticket for texting and driving can lead to points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even license suspension. In New York, for example, a first offense can result in a fine of $50 to $200, whereas in Texas, a fine of $25 to $99 can be expected.

Talking on a handheld cellphone while driving is also illegal in most US states, with 12 states and Washington DC implementing such laws. Although these laws generally allow for emergency calls and hands-free dialing, they are still strict and can result in fines if broken.

So, if you're tempted to send a quick text or make a call while driving, think again! It's not worth breaking the law and risking your safety.

Downloading music or movies illegally

The consequences of illegal downloading can be severe, with both civil and criminal penalties. Under federal copyright law, damages can range from $750 to $30,000 per work. For example, a woman from Minnesota was fined $80,000 per song for downloading 24 songs, totalling $1.9 million. In addition, illegal downloading exposes computers to destructive malware and increases the risk of personal identity theft.

Despite the risks, many people continue to illegally download music and movies, often believing that they won't get caught. However, law firms are aggressively investigating instances of piracy, and the financial settlements can be significant. It is important to remember that just because something is easily accessible online, it does not mean that it is legal to download or use for free.

Using someone else's Wi-Fi without permission

Using someone else's Wi-Fi without their permission is illegal in most jurisdictions. This act is referred to as "piggybacking" or "mooching" and is prohibited under various state and federal laws. For example, in New York State, piggybacking is considered a Class A misdemeanour.

While it may seem harmless to log into a neighbour's unsecured Wi-Fi connection, or access a public Wi-Fi hotspot without permission, it is important to understand the legal implications. In addition to potential criminal charges, there are other risks associated with using someone else's Wi-Fi without authorisation.

Firstly, connecting to an unsecured network can expose your device to various forms of malware, such as viruses and trojans. This can compromise the security of your device and personal information. Secondly, using someone else's Wi-Fi without their knowledge or consent can result in excessive usage charges for the owner of the connection. This may lead to disputes and potential service disruptions for the owner.

To avoid any legal or technical issues, it is always best to seek the owner's permission before using their Wi-Fi connection. Respecting the terms of service for public hotspots and ensuring the security of your own network by using strong passwords and encryption are also recommended.

While the specific consequences of unauthorised Wi-Fi usage may vary depending on local laws and the circumstances of the case, it is generally advisable to refrain from engaging in this practice to avoid any potential legal, financial, or technical issues.

Jaywalking or littering

Jaywalking and littering are two of the most commonly broken laws. In fact, the average American breaks the law about three times a day, and littering and jaywalking are among the most frequent offences.

Littering is illegal throughout the United States, and the fines can be quite large. However, this does not stop a lot of people from doing it. In Singapore, first-time littering offenders who discard minor items like sweet wrappers or cigarette butts are liable for a $300 fine. For larger items, like plastic bags or food wrappers, the fine can go up to $1,000, or a Community Work Order (CWO) of up to 12 hours, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $5,000. In the US, nearly half of all Americans have admitted to littering, with cigarette butts being the most frequently dumped item.

Jaywalking is crossing the street at a place not designated as a pedestrian crossing. While laws against jaywalking are in place for pedestrians' safety, they are often ignored. In Singapore, jaywalking is defined as crossing the road within 50m of a crossing zone. In 2011, 8,650 people were caught jaywalking. Offenders can be fined $20 on the spot, or charged and fined up to $1,000, or jailed for up to three months. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for up to six months. In the US, the consequences of jaywalking vary depending on the location.

So, while jaywalking and littering may seem like minor offences, they can actually result in significant fines or even jail time in some places.

Not wearing a seatbelt

Seatbelt laws vary depending on the state, but in general, they fall into two categories: primary and secondary laws. In states with primary seatbelt laws, not wearing a seatbelt is a violation that gives a police officer cause to stop you. In secondary seatbelt law states, not wearing a seatbelt is not sufficient reason for an officer to pull you over, but it can be added to a ticket if you are stopped for another reason. In some states, the rules for minors or young children are different from those for adults, and the requirements are usually more stringent for younger passengers. For example, in one state, the law requires seat belts for all passengers aged eight years and older in the front, but only for those aged 15 and under in the back.

The consequences of not wearing a seatbelt can be severe. In California, for instance, anyone aged 16 or older must wear a seatbelt when driving, and the rule applies to passengers in both the front and back seats. The base fine for a first offense is $20, and for a second offense, it is $50. However, with additional fees and penalty assessments, the total cost of a ticket is typically around $200. If you are caught not securing children in your passenger seat, the fine can be as high as $500. Furthermore, not wearing a seatbelt can affect your insurance claims if you get into a car accident. The comparative negligence principle states that the reward for a personal injury claim can be reduced if the victim is found to be partially responsible for their injuries.

Overall, while not wearing a seatbelt may seem like a minor infraction, it is a common way that people break the law every day, and it can have significant consequences for both your wallet and your safety.

Frequently asked questions