18 Things You Own That Might Be Illegal

Did you know that some everyday items in your home could be violating U.S. or state laws? Across the country, laws vary, making it possible that what’s legal in one state could be prohibited in another.

From the garage to the medicine cabinet, there are common household items that could carry potential legal risks without you even knowing. These are 18 illegal items you don’t want to have found in your home.

Street Signs

Ever thought about snagging a street sign as a quirky room decoration? Well, think again. Owning a stolen street sign is considered theft of government property. This can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and community service. If you’ve got one, it might be time to rethink that decor choice.

Mercury Thermometers

Remember those old-school mercury thermometers? Turns out, having one might be more trouble than it’s worth. Many states have banned these thermometers because mercury is extremely toxic. Not only is possessing them a health risk, but improper disposal can also harm the environment, leading to significant fines.

If you find an old mercury thermometer lurking in your medicine cabinet, look into safe disposal programs often run by local health departments or environmental agencies to help protect yourself and your surroundings.

SPecific Pesticides

Got pests? Be careful how you fight them off. Using or storing banned pesticides, such as DDT, is a serious offense that harms more than just bugs—it’s detrimental to the environment and public health. The legal consequences are no joke either, with possible fines and cleanup orders. Always check the labels and ensure you’re using safe and legal products in your battle against pests.

Expired Flares

Holding onto expired flares, whether for marine or road use, is more risky than you might think. These items must be disposed of as hazardous waste because using them can be ineffective and dangerous, potentially leading to accidents. If you’ve got old flares lying around, check how to properly dispose of them in your area to avoid fines and keep yourself—and others—safe.

Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles might seem like a cool collector’s item or a self-defense tool, but before you think about owning a pair, you should double-check your local laws. In several states, just having brass knuckles is illegal and can lead to assault charges if they’re used.

Baby Turtles

Thinking of gifting a tiny turtle? You might want to think again. In the U.S., selling or even giving away baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long is illegal. This law isn’t just an arbitrary rule; it’s in place because small turtles often carry salmonella, posing health risks. If you’re caught breaking this rule, you could face fines and other legal penalties. It’s best to stick with pets that don’t come with such hefty legal and health concerns.

Fireworks

Love lighting up the sky with fireworks? Make sure you’re not lighting up a legal problem too. In many states and cities, possessing fireworks where they’re banned isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. From fines to confiscation, the consequences can put a real damper on your celebrations. Before you stock up for your next big event, check your local laws to ensure you’re clear to launch.

Large Quantities of Fertilizer

Got a green thumb? Be cautious about stocking up on too much fertilizer. While it might seem like just being prepared for your gardening needs, holding large quantities of certain types of fertilizers can raise eyebrows.

Due to their potential use in making explosives, owning substantial amounts without a clear justification can be seen as suspect and might even be illegal. This could lead to investigations by authorities, ensuring such materials aren’t intended for harmful purposes. If you’re buying in bulk, make sure you can clearly explain why, to keep everything above board.

Radar Detectors

Planning a road trip and thinking about installing a radar detector in your car to avoid speeding tickets? Better think twice if you’re passing through places like Virginia or Washington D.C. In these areas, using radar detectors is not just frowned upon—it’s outright illegal. You could end up facing fines that far outweigh any benefits from dodging a speed trap. Always check the local laws concerning radar detectors before you set up one in your vehicle. It’s better to drive within the speed limits and enjoy your journey without any legal hitches.

Homemade Alcohol

Homebrewing beer is one thing, but distilling spirits at home is a whole different ball game. While it might seem like a fun experiment or a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite drinks, doing this without a proper license is illegal in the U.S.

The reasons? Safety concerns and tax regulations. Homemade distilleries can be dangerous, and they also dodge the taxes associated with alcohol production. If you’re caught, you could face serious legal actions and fines.

Specific Plants

Thinking of starting a garden? Be careful about what you plant. While growing something like marijuana might be legal in some states, in others, it’s still against the law without the right permissions. Cultivating endangered species without a permit can also land you in hot water. Penalties can be quite stiff, ranging from fines to jail time. Before you dig into gardening, make sure you’re clear on what’s legal to grow in your area to avoid any unintended run-ins with the law.

Modified Cable Boxes

Ever thought about tweaking your cable box to snag some free channels? It might seem like a harmless hack, but using altered cable boxes to access services you’re not paying for is actually considered theft. This kind of activity is taken seriously and is punishable under federal law. To keep things above board, make sure all your cable and streaming services are legally obtained.

Fake Money

Possessing counterfeit currency is a no-go under U.S. law, even if it’s just for fun. The penalties for holding onto faux cash can be quite severe, escalating to federal charges. If you ever stumble upon any counterfeit money, the best move is to report it to the authorities. It’s not just about avoiding trouble; it’s about helping to keep the economy fair and balanced for everyone.

Some Lock Picks

Lock picking tools might seem like cool gadgets to own, especially if you’re into DIY projects or just curious about how locks work. However, in many states, if you’re not a licensed locksmith, having these tools can suggest criminal intent and be outright illegal.

Owning lock picks without proper justification can lead you to face charges as serious as breaking and entering. To steer clear of any legal issues, it’s best to leave these tools to the professionals unless you have a clear and legal reason to possess them.

Unlicensed Firearms

Got a gun at home? Double-check that all your firearms are properly registered. In the U.S., owning a gun without the appropriate licensing is a federal offense. This oversight could land you in serious trouble, including hefty fines or even jail time. It’s crucial to ensure every firearm in your possession is fully documented. If you’re unsure about the registration status of your guns, it’s a good idea to reach out to local authorities to sort it out sooner rather than later.

Pirated Movies and Music

Streaming your favorite movie or downloading that hit song might seem harmless, but if you’re venturing into pirated DVDs or illegal downloads, you’re walking on thin ice. This isn’t just about potential viruses or poor quality; it’s a clear violation of copyright laws. Getting caught could mean fines and even jail time. To keep things simple and legal, stick to verified, legitimate sources for your entertainment.

Unauthorized Prescription Drugs

Did you know keeping prescription drugs that aren’t specifically prescribed to you is actually illegal? It’s true, and it’s a common slip-up. Whether it’s a painkiller left from a past surgery or anxiety meds given by a friend, holding onto these can land you in hot water with drug charges.

It’s best to clear out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any unused medications. Many pharmacies offer drop-off programs to help you do just that, keeping you on the right side of the law.

Some Wildlife Souvenirs

Ever brought back a souvenir from a vacation without knowing it might be illegal? Items made from endangered species, like ivory carvings or tortoiseshell accessories, require specific permits to possess.

Owning these without proper documentation is not only illegal but also contributes to the threat against these species. If you have such items, it might be worth looking into how you can rectify the situation—starting by contacting wildlife conservation authorities can be a good step.