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Singing 'Happy Birthday' -

Singing the joyful song in public prior to 2016 was prohibited by law. The song had a copyright value of $25 million in the '80s, rendering it ineligible for public usage until it became part of the public domain.

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Using insecure public Wi-Fi -

Using a public Wi-Fi without permission, known as "piggybacking," can lead to penalties and potential imprisonment in specific states. A Michigan man was fined $400 for checking his e-mail!

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Downloading music -

While streaming services have greatly reduced piracy, many individuals experienced their share of Napster or Limewire days, acquiring low-quality mp3s at no cost.

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Streaming shows and movies -

According to The Infographic Show, around 50% of millennials in America engage in watching illegal streams. This practice can lead to consequences, therefore it is advisable to consider investing in a legitimate streaming service.

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Sharing an account password -

Sharing passwords for a subscription service is actually a federal crime, so you can't avoid paying for a streaming service by using a friend's login credentials.

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Using a fake name online -

If you provided false information to register on a website to avoid receiving spam emails, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act considers you as someone who committed an offense.

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Using a fake name online -

According to the Illegal Gambling Act of 1970, it is illegal to bet with friends in activities like poker or workplace fantasy football. If the wager amount exceeds $2,000, it is considered an illegal gambling operation.

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Drinking in public -

While enjoying an outdoor picnic or taking a breath of fresh air outside a bar, it's important to note that drinking in public is generally illegal throughout most of the country.

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Public intoxication -

We've all had our dark days (aka college), and unless you live in Nevada, Montana, or Missouri, public intoxication can get you in big trouble. In Indiana, that can be up to 180 days in jail plus a hefty fine. 

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Drinking underage -

When it appears that teenagers in the rest of the world begin consuming alcohol, waiting until you turn 21 can be challenging. Many individuals are guilty of having a sip or two before reaching the legal age.

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Turning right on a red light -

Although legal in most of the country, certain states enforce stricter regulations. While typically insignificant, being noticed by an ambitious police officer can complicate matters.

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Littering -

Engaging in this action is against the law and despite knowing it's wrong, people should reconsider their actions.

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Throwing your old cell phone away -

"E-waste" is considered illegal in numerous states due to the health risks caused by the chemicals it releases into water supplies over time.

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Jaywalking -

The crosswalk is situated a single block away. However, the destination you seek is just across the road. This predicament begs the question of what action to take. The inevitable response typically involves breaking the law, despite certain cities turning a blind eye.

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Driving over the speed limit -

According to The Infographics Show, the most frequently violated law in the US that individuals are truly prosecuted for is also the topic of their article.

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Driving below the designated speed -

Driving at a slower pace due to uncertainty about the highway exit is not permitted and remains against the law.

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Throwing out an old tenant’s mail -

While it may be frustrating to deal with a growing pile of mail that you believe to be worthless, discarding another person's mail is a serious offense. According to the US Code 1702, this act is considered a felony and is described as "obstruction of correspondence."

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Not updating your driver’s license when you move -

When you move, changing your address at the DMV may not be at the top of your mind. However, many states have a few-day deadline for this task.

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Eating something before you buy it -

Whether you sip a beverage as you wait to complete your purchase or pick at fruit already in your cart, consuming before paying makes you an offender.

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Writing “disturbing” fiction -

Writing stories that evoke unease can have consequences in certain states, where the production of "disturbing material" is not allowed. A student's suspension and graduation prevention were prompted by a story that unsettled teachers, according to a Wired report from 2003.

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Using your cellphone while driving -

Using your phone while driving may not feel risky, but it carries hefty fines in many states. To avoid unnecessary expenses, consider purchasing a hands-free system. It's a simple way to stay safe and keep your finances intact.

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Driving past a stop sign -

When was the last time you paused for a moment, saying "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi" before proceeding beyond a stop sign? It's a common habit we all share.

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Medication sharing -

Having additional prescription pills to provide to a loved one during their illness may seem fortunate, but caution is advised. Sharing medication is illegal and can result in legal consequences.

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Not getting a license for your dog -

When you acquire a dog, the least desirable task is dealing with paperwork, especially when all they want to do is play. However, in most states, it is required by law to obtain a license for your dog in order to keep a record of their vaccination against rabies.

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Having a permanent marker in public -

According to Cracked, certain states such as New York and Florida have regulations against having "broad-tipped indelible markers" in public areas. In addition, some states require individuals to be 18 or older in order to purchase these markers.

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Downloading images from the internet -

Using copyrighted images, such as stills from movies or a photographer's work, on your Facebook or blog, or even as wallpaper, may result in legal consequences.

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Not wearing a seat belt -

It may be tempting to believe that wearing a seatbelt is unnecessary for short trips, but failing to buckle up is illegal. Avoid significant penalties by ensuring you click in, regardless of the distance traveled.

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Urinating outdoors -

This mainly concerns the challenging times of being an intoxicated college student, as most states have laws against revealing private parts in public. Additionally, engaging in indecent exposure could result in being included in the offender list.

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Making that U-turn -

You are aware that it was not permitted to be done, and the police are also aware of it. Is it likely to occur again when nobody is present? Most likely.

See also: Banned, cut, or edited: Movies that were censored

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