The UK has a history that spans hundreds of years, and in that time we’ve had some pretty strange laws that are still in place today, and we think you might have broken one or two.

With this in mind, the team at BPP University Law School has taken a look back at some of the most unusual laws over the years that you may have broken without even realising.

Being Drunk in the Pub

Though lots of Brits may not be aware, it is actually an offence to be drunk while in a pub. The law is listed under section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act, which says if any person is found to be drunk on a licensed property, they could be fined £200. The law has also stated since 2003 that it is illegal for bar staff to serve drunk people.

Carrying a Plank of Wood Along the Pavement

One of the more kooky laws that Brits probably didn’t even know existed, is it being illegal to carry a plank of wood along the pavement within the Metropolitan Police District – not including London. The law also includes carrying poles, ladders and placards.

Paying With your Phone at a Drive-Through With the Car Still Running

Over the past few years, law enforcement involving the use of phones whilst driving has become a lot more strict in order to reduce the number of accidents on the road. But did you know it’s actually an offence to pay at a drive-through with your phone whilst your car is still running?

Anyone caught using their handheld device with the car still running could face a fine of £200 and six points on their driving licence – remember that whilst you’re queuing at the drive-thru!

Handling Salmon While Looking Suspicious

Just when you thought you’d heard it all, there is actually a law that means it is illegal for anyone to handle salmon fish in suspicious circumstances, under the Salmon Act 1986. This could include when a person believes that salmon has been illegally fished or has come from an illegal source.

Playing Ding Dong Ditch

We all remember the game ding dong ditch when a person would knock on someone’s front door and then run away before they had the chance to answer it. Well, it turns out that playing that game is actually against the law, as entering a person’s property without permission can count as trespassing and could land you with a hefty fine.

Putting a British Stamp on Upside Down

If you are intending to send a letter in the post, then you need to be really careful when adding a stamp. Under UK law, if you post a letter with the stamp upside down it is considered treason, and as a result, you could face really serious consequences.

Shaking a Rug in London

The weekend can be the perfect time to catch up with a bit of spring cleaning, but beating and shaking a rug in the street in London is actually forbidden under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. You are allowed to dust off a door mat, however, but it must be before eight in the morning.

Jumping the Queue in a Tube Ticket Hall

Brits are known for being notoriously good at queuing, but when you have a train to catch, waiting in line can often become frustrating. However, before you think about jumping the line when queuing for a tube ticket, you might want to think again as it is actually illegal. If you are instructed to queue you must do so and listen to instructions given by an authorised person.

Singing Happy Birthday to Loved Ones in Public

No birthday is complete without Happy Birthday being sung to you, but did you know that it’s actually illegal for it to be used on TV or in movies without permission from its owners Warner/Chappell. The song is held under copyright, meaning any public display of the iconic tune including in restaurants is breaking the law. Some venues have even gone as far as creating their own version of the song so they are still able to sing it to customers!

Walking Cows Down the Street in the Daylight

Under the Metropolitan Streets Act, cattle are not actually allowed to be walked through the street during certain times of the day. Should farmers need to move cows during the hours of 10am to 7pm they will first need to seek permission from the Commissioner Of Police.