Borrowing your neighbor’s dog is illegal in NC. So are these 5 other little known laws
North Carolina has more than 800 laws related to crime. While the majority of them are necessary, some may seem a little bizarre.
Here are some weird laws in North Carolina that are still on the books today.
Stealing kitchen grease
According to state law, it’s illegal to steal kitchen grease – and if you’re caught -- the punishment depends on how much you take. If the value of the grease is worth $1,000 or less, 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,” per North Carolina state law, including those containing tuluol, 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, per state statute 14-82.
Driving on sidewalks
It’s illegal to drive on a sidewalk or sidewalk area, according to state law. 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 lawnmower while impaired
Similar to motor vehicles, driving a lawnmower while impaired can lead to a DWI conviction, according to state law. 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, according to the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission.
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
