The UK has a comprehensive set of laws and, given that you are not even allowed to die in Parliament, most people assume that if something the smallest bit illegal, they should not risk it. However, here are some laws that are assumed to exist by many, but are just superstitions:
- All your debts will be written off when you die
Unfortunately, when you die, any debt that you may have accrued over your lifetime will have to be paid for. In 2021, the average total debt per household in the UK was £63,112.
- It is illegal to place a stamp of the Queen upside down on a letter
Although some believe it to be against the law to place a stamp of the Queen upside down when sending a letter, this isn’t quite true. The Treason Felony Act 1848 makes it an offence to commit any act with intentions of deposing the monarch. While there is logic behind this interpretation of the act, it does not actually include any mention of stamps and it seems unlikely that this would be considered deposing the monarch.
- Pre-nups are legally binding
In England and Wales, the court is not actually compelled by law to uphold a prenuptial agreement, and legal professionals have expressed concerns for one member of the party being unfairly disadvantaged later down the line.
Pre-nups will, however, be upheld if they meet certain criteria of the Supreme Court and Law Commission. They will assess the fairness of the deal, while considering how circumstances have changed over the years, as well as the ability of the disadvantaged party to have turned down the agreement at the time.
- Driving in flip flops is illegal
Many people believe that it’s illegal to drive in flip-flops or similar style shoes, as it can be dangerous if you get the open toe caught underneath the accelerator or clutch. However, this is not actually written in law. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that the footwear and clothing that you choose to wear whilst driving must not prevent you from using the controls in a correct manner, and wearing flip-flops could certainly be an infringement of that rule. So it’s always best to keep a pair of trainers in your passenger seat.
- Leaving the interior car light on is illegal
Despite the common myth, it is not against the Highway Code to leave the interior light on in your car whilst driving. However, the idea does come from a genuine rule, that when on, the light must not shine out the back window or obstruct the view of anyone who may be behind you.
However, if a policeman pulls you over and tells you to turn it off, you’ve got to do it.
- All swans are the Queen’s property
It’s a common belief that the Queen has ownership of all unclaimed, open-water swans across the UK, but this is not quite true. While Her Majesty does own some English swans, it is only those on certain stretches of the River Thames around Windsor.
