You can get a DWI on a lawn mower in NC (+ 5 other little-known laws in the state)
North Carolina has more than 800 crime-related laws. While most are practical and necessary, a few might sound strange.
Here are some of the quirky laws still in effect in North Carolina today.
Stealing kitchen grease
It’s illegal to steal kitchen grease in North Carolina — and if you’re caught, the punishment depends on how much you take. If the value of the grease is worth $1,000 or fewer, the crime is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. But if it’s worth more than $1,000, you can be charged with a felony.
Sniffing glue
It’s unlawful to “inhale fumes for the purpose of intoxication,” including those containing toluol, hexane or trichloroethane. These chemicals are usually found in glue used to build model airplanes and boats.
Sniffing glue and other inhalants can lead to seizures, coma and sudden cardiac death, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Borrowing your neighbor’s dog
If you’ve ever thought about borrowing your neighbor’s dog, horse or mule, you may want to reconsider. In North Carolina, it’s illegal to take any of these animals without consent, and you could be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor if caught.
Driving on sidewalks
It’s illegal to drive on a sidewalk or sidewalk area. This law was probably implemented for safety reasons. It makes sense that driving a car where pedestrians usually are is against the law.
Driving a lawn mower while impaired
Similar to motor vehicles, driving a lawnmower while impaired can lead to a DWI conviction. Cyclists who ride under the influence can also be charged.
In 2011, a North Carolina man was charged with a DWI after riding his mower into the road and being struck by two cars, NBC reported.
Happy hour with a catch
In accordance with NC Alcoholic Beverage Control rules, businesses can only offer happy hour specials for food. The rule states that a business cannot “give away a drink or sell the drink for any period of time less than one business day,” so all-day drink specials are permitted.
Happy hours may be illegal now, but that could soon change. A bill that would have legalized happy hours stalled in the N.C. House last year, but it is expected to be discussed again this year, WSOC reported.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 4:05 PM with the headline "You can get a DWI on a lawn mower in NC (+ 5 other little-known laws in the state)."
