15 Everyday Habits from the Past That Would Be Illegal Now
Life used to look very different, and many common practices from decades ago would raise serious legal and safety concerns today. Some of these everyday habits were so normal back then that no one questioned them. Times have changed, and many of those past routines are now banned or heavily restricted.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Over the years, society has grown more aware of health, safety, and human rights, leading to laws that prevent risky or harmful habits once seen as normal. What was once common behavior is now considered dangerous, irresponsible, or even criminal. In this article, we look back at 15 everyday actions that were once acceptable but are now illegal in many places. These examples highlight how much culture, science, and policy have evolved.
1. Smoking on Airplanes
Julia Sakelli on Pexels
Smoking used to be allowed on most flights, with designated smoking sections that did little to contain the smell. Passengers and flight crew were exposed to secondhand smoke for hours. Today, smoking on airplanes is banned almost everywhere for safety and health reasons.
2. Driving Without a Seatbelt
cottonbro studio on Pexels
There was a time when wearing a seatbelt wasn’t even a legal requirement. Many drivers and passengers didn’t see the need for it and rode without protection. Now, seatbelt laws are enforced to reduce injuries and save lives.
3. Letting Kids Ride in the Front Seat
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Children once commonly rode in the front seat or even on a parent’s lap. No one thought much of it until studies showed how dangerous it was during crashes. Today, laws require children to ride in the back seat with proper safety restraints.
4. Ditching School Without Consequences
Norma Mortenson on Pexels
Skipping school for days or even weeks could go unnoticed in earlier times. Truancy was not always tracked, and some families didn’t prioritize attendance. Now, students and parents can face legal consequences for chronic absences.
5. Drinking and Driving
Aviz Media on Pexels
Having a drink before getting behind the wheel used to be seen as normal or even macho. People didn’t always understand the dangers of driving under the influence. Today, DUI laws are strict, and penalties can be severe.
6. Leaving Kids Alone in Cars
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Parents would often leave children alone in cars while they ran errands. It was considered harmless, especially for short trips. Now, it’s illegal in many areas due to the risk of heatstroke, kidnapping, or other dangers.
7. Burning Trash in the Backyard
Kai Dewitt on Pexels
It was common for households to burn their garbage in backyard barrels or pits. The smoke and chemicals weren’t seen as harmful at the time. Today, open burning is illegal in many places due to air pollution and fire hazards.
8. Using Lead-Based Paint in Homes
Bidvine on Pexels
Lead-based paint was once widely used in houses, schools, and furniture. People didn’t know it could poison children or damage health over time. It’s now banned in residential buildings across most countries.
9. Corporal Punishment in Schools
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Teachers once had the legal right to hit students with rulers, paddles, or belts. It was seen as discipline rather than abuse. Many countries and states now have laws that strictly forbid physical punishment in schools.
10. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Elijah O’Donnell on Pexels
It was a thrill for kids and adults to ride in the open bed of a truck, but without seatbelts or protection, it’s extremely risky in case of an accident. Most places now have laws that restrict or ban this practice.
11. No Helmets on Bikes or Motorcycles
Ron Lach on Pexels
Wearing a helmet wasn’t always a requirement, and many riders didn’t bother with one. Head injuries were common, but the link wasn’t always understood. Now, helmet laws are in place to protect both cyclists and motorcyclists.
12. Asbestos in Buildings
Sonny Sixteen on Pexels
Asbestos was widely used in insulation and other building materials due to its fire-resistant properties. It was later found to cause serious diseases like mesothelioma. Today, its use is banned or tightly controlled.
13. Smoking Indoors at Restaurants and Offices
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
People once smoked freely in restaurants, offices, and even hospitals. Non-smokers had little choice but to breathe in secondhand smoke. Now, indoor smoking bans protect public health in many cities and countries.
14. Allowing Toddlers to Ride Without Car Seats
Andy Coffie on Pexels
Young children often rode without car seats or even stood up in cars. This wasn’t seen as unsafe at the time; it was just part of everyday life. Now, car seat laws are enforced to keep little ones safe on the road.
15. Selling Dangerous Toys
Anthony 🙂 on Pexels
Toys used to contain sharp edges, toxic materials, or small parts that could be swallowed. Regulations were minimal, and injuries were common. Today, strict safety standards and recalls protect children from hazardous products.