Breaking The Law: Everyday Actions That Cross The Line

Many people consider themselves law-abiding citizens, but it's easy to break the law without even realizing it. Some common examples of laws that people unknowingly break include connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi, singing copyrighted songs in public, playing poker for money at home, speeding, driving without a seatbelt, and using a cell phone while driving. Other lesser-known infractions include sharing your Netflix password, fibbing about the weather, and driving with snow on your car. While some of these actions may seem harmless, they can carry fines or even lead to jail time. It's important for individuals to be aware of the laws in their area to avoid unintentionally breaking the law.

Speeding, driving without a seatbelt, and using a cell phone while driving

Speeding refers to driving a vehicle over the speed limit, which is determined by the posted speed limit signs on roads and highways. Speeding is dangerous as it reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, increases the severity of collisions, and poses a risk to other drivers, pedestrians, and property.

Driving without a seatbelt is another violation of traffic laws. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle and must be worn correctly across the shoulder and lap. Seatbelts help restrain drivers and passengers in their seats, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle in a crash, reducing the risk of serious injuries, and saving lives.

Using a cell phone while driving is a significant distraction that impairs reaction times and increases the risk of accidents. It is illegal in many places, and the laws regarding cell phone use while driving vary. In general, it is prohibited to hold and use a handheld cell phone for calling, texting, or using apps while driving. However, hands-free options, such as headset or voice commands, may be permitted in certain jurisdictions.

These traffic violations are common, and the threat of a traffic ticket is not always a sufficient deterrent. However, it is essential to follow traffic rules and regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2017 alone, more than 3,000 fatalities were attributed to distracted driving, emphasizing the deadly consequences of these actions.

To avoid breaking the law and endangering yourself and others, it is crucial to obey traffic rules, including adhering to speed limits, always wearing a seatbelt, and refraining from using a cell phone while driving. By being responsible and law-abiding, you can help make the roads a safer place for everyone.

Failing to update your driver's license

In Florida, for example, penalties for failing to update your driver's license are similar to those for non-moving violations. In New York, you could be fined a couple of hundred dollars or have points added to your license. In Texas, you have 30 days to update your address, while in California, you only have 10. In Nevada, the fee for a new license with an updated address is only $3.25, and in Oregon, it's $5.

While failing to update your driver's license is not a major offense, and you may only receive a verbal or written warning from an officer, it is still important to take immediate action and update your address with the DMV as soon as possible to avoid any potential penalties. Additionally, it's important to note that the rules are generally more stringent and the consequences are higher if you move across state lines.

Littering

In Washington State, for example, the fine for littering ranges from $103 to $5,000, with the largest fines imposed for "lit debris," primarily cigarettes, and items that can cause car crashes. The state also has laws requiring motorists to cover and secure their loads to prevent cargo from falling out and causing accidents.

In California, the punishment for first-time littering is a minimum $250 fine and eight hours of picking up roadside litter. For a defendant's third offense and subsequent offenses, the penalty increases to a maximum of a $3,000 fine and 24 hours of litter cleanup per offense.

In addition to state laws, some cities have their own local ordinances regarding littering, which can be stricter than state laws. For instance, in Oregon, throwing a lighted cigarette or other tobacco product is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and six months' imprisonment. This is in addition to penalties for "placing offensive substances in waters, on highways, or other property," which is a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $6,250 and 12 months' imprisonment.

Prank calling

Additionally, recording prank calls without the recipient's consent can constitute illegal wiretapping in many states. This can also lead to criminal charges.

While prank calling may seem like a harmless joke, it can have serious legal consequences. It is important to be aware of the laws in your specific state and to avoid making prank calls that could be considered illegal.

• Harassment: Repeated calls, threatening remarks, or causing emotional distress can be considered harassment, which is usually a misdemeanour but can be a felony depending on the content of the call.
• Disorderly conduct: Prank calls that involve offensive or abusive language, obscene language, or demeaning conduct can be considered disorderly conduct in some states.
• Hate crimes: Mocking someone's voice or nationality, or targeting a specific group based on religion, race, or sexual orientation, can be considered a hate crime.
• Wiretapping: Recording a prank call without the other party's consent is illegal in many states and can constitute a felony.
• Bomb threats: Making a bomb threat during a prank call is a very serious criminal offence and can lead to emergency services and local police involvement.

Jaywalking

In the United States, jaywalking is often associated with urban areas, but it can also be an issue in suburban or rural areas where there are no pavements available. It is considered an infraction in most states, but in some, it may be classified as a misdemeanour or require a court appearance. The penalty is typically a fine, which can range from $1 to $1,000 depending on the location. However, in some cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston, jaywalking is so common that police only intervene if it is deemed excessively dangerous or disruptive.

Cultural norms around jaywalking vary across the world. For example, Copenhagen and New York City have similar restrictions on jaywalking, but it is far more common in New York. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, there are no specific jaywalking laws, and pedestrians are expected to use their judgement when crossing the road. In other countries, such as India and Vietnam, jaywalking is common due to a lack of regulated crossings, poor enforcement of traffic safety rules, and heavy traffic.

While jaywalking may seem like a minor offence, it can have serious safety implications. In the United States, jaywalking is linked to pedestrian injuries and fatalities. However, the exact risk rate is unknown due to a lack of data on jaywalking frequency. To reduce the risk of accidents, pedestrians should follow traffic regulations, use designated crosswalks, and pay attention to their surroundings when crossing the street.

Frequently asked questions