You won’t believe these shocking law-breaking violations!

Mindbending Facts welcomes you to a revelation that might turn your world upside down! It’s astonishing how, in our daily lives, we unknowingly become culprits of numerous legal infractions.

Brace yourselves as we delve into the hidden realm of everyday activities that might put you on the wrong side of the law. You heard that right. Shocking law-breaking violations are lurking where you least expect them!

From everyday habits to seemingly innocent actions, this eye-opening journey will make you question what you thought you knew about legality.

So, buckle up and get ready to explore the surprising world of 12 shocking law-breaking violations that might be a part of your routine without you even realizing it!

Shocking law-breaking violation: If you throw away an old cell phone

Throwing away an old cell phone or any other electronics in several states is against the law. This law was put in place to prevent toxins from ending up in landfills.

Before throwing away your old electronics, check with your state to find out how to correctly dispose of them without getting fined.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Connecting to an unsecured wifi network

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act states that you’re not allowed to use an unsecured wifi network without getting prior authorization. You could be charged with a felony if you unknowingly or knowingly connect to a network that’s not yours.

The possibility of getting arrested for getting on a wifi network is pretty small. After all, most are secure these days unless they’re offered for free by a business. So, to protect yourself, turn off any “automatically connect to wifi” settings on your devices.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Photocopying a textbook

If you’ve ever photocopied a textbook, you may have broken a federal copyright law. How much of it you copy and what you plan to do with the copyrighted text defines if it’s illegal or “fair use” of copyrighted materials.

In other words, it’s unlawful to sell the pages of a book for students to use in a class or even Bible study.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Carrying a Sharpie in public

Almost all office supply closets have a Sharpie in them. There’s probably one in a drawer in your home. Regardless, the federal government considers a Sharpie a tool that’s used for graffiti. You may be in loads of trouble if you get caught with one in a public place.

Don’t believe this shocking law-breaking violation? Well, a 13-year-old student in Oklahoma was arrested in 2010 when he marked up his desk with a Sharpie, disobeying an obscure city ordinance.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Lying about weather

Did you know that weather reports are protected by law? If you happen to publish a false weather forecast and declare it’s from the National Weather Service, you may be fined or even imprisoned for up to 90 days.

Fun Fact: Former President Donald Trump mistakenly briefed the nation about Hurricane Dorian’s projected path in 2019. He revised the National Weather Service map with a Sharpie, and actually broke the law, according to 18 US Code 2074.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Sharing your Netflix password

You might be surprised to learn that sharing your password for Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and any other services was deemed a violation of federal law back in 2016.

Still, some more extensive services, including HBO, have had a relaxed attitude about sharing your passwords among friends. That may be changing for all platforms, though, as competition among companies amplifies.

Netflix, for instance, has cracked down on password sharing. But to be sure you are on the right side of the law, read the terms and conditions on your streaming service’s site.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Throwing out the old tenant’s mail

If you live in an apartment, you’ve most likely done this. You open your mailbox and get a letter that’s addressed to someone you don’t know. Believing the letter is addressed to the old tenant, you’re likely to throw it away.

But, the penalty for opening or throwing out someone else’s mail could be as much as a $250,000 fine and a 5-year federal prison sentence! If this happens to you, call the post office and let them know that this individual no longer lives at your address.

And drop off the old tenant’s mail, even if it’s “junk” mail, at the post office. You can also mark the mail “return to sender” and return it to the postal worker assigned to your building.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Singing “Macarena” in public

You can still sing “Macarena” and other famous songs around the campfire with your kiddos. But don’t even think about leading a large group of people to join in on this catchy dance tune.

According to Business Insider, doing so may break copyright laws depending on the volume and the number of individuals involved. Think we’re exaggerating?

Well, in the 90s, the American Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers wanted the Girl Scouts of America to pay royalties for singing “Macarena,” according to The New York Times.

They later regretted going after the Girl Scouts from a public relations point of view. But the prospect of using the law in this way still stands today.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Hosting a movie night at home or church

According to copyright laws, if you publicly show a television show, movie, or any other recordings, you’re violating copyright laws. And you’re not even exempt from the law if you show a movie in your own backyard where your neighbors can see it.

In some US states, an individual could face a fine of up to $150,000 and a few other penalties. You should also check with the Motion Picture Licensing Corp. to learn about showing any type of recording in your church without permission.

Many do it without knowing that it’s illegal.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Hanging things from your rearview mirror

We’re probably ALL guilty of this one. But it’s definitely illegal in many US states to hang air fresheners, graduation tassels, masks, fuzzy dice, a rabbit’s foot, and any other items from your rearview mirror.

The reason is that anything drooping from the rearview mirror could be a safety hazard that obstructs the driver’s view.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Not having a license for your pup

Each state has its own laws regarding pets. The owner could be fined if a dog is found without a license. It’s for the dog’s protection to have a license in case it’s stolen or lost. If your dog is found without a license, it could technically be adopted by someone else.

And if a shelter is overcrowded, the dog could be euthanized. So you should be your pup’s best friend and get a license for it.

Shocking law-breaking violation: Allowing your pet to startle wildlife

While we’re on the subject of dogs, here’s a strange one for you: If you take your dog, or any other pet for that matter, to a national park, be sure to keep it calm.

The Code of Federal Regulations, which is Title 36, Section 2.15 (a)(4), forbids “allowing a pet to make noise that’s unreasonable considering location, impact on park users, time of day or night, and other relevant aspects, or that frightens wildlife by howling, barking, or making other noise.”

And, of course, be sure to keep your lovable pooch on a leash. Here’s one of our favorites from Amazon: Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads for Small Medium and Large Dogs

So, are YOU guilty of any of these shocking law-breaking violations? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section. And if you liked this article, we recommend you also check out: 14 Essential Phone Photos People Don’t Think to Save – Mind Bending Facts