Wearing a seatbelt
In a car crash you are twice as likely to die if you don’t wear a seatbelt. Drivers with no seatbelt face on-the-spot fines of £60. If prosecuted, the maximum fine is £500.
Having a criminal record makes it very difficult applying for jobs, any type of insurance, a mortgage, study courses and being able to travel abroad. Many companies and countries will refuse you.
Watching TV without a valid licence is a criminal offence. This can lead to prosecution, a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000. It costs £145.50 per year for a colour TV licence to cover the household.
If you are caught shoplifting, there are many possible consequences that you may be faced with – some of these are short term and others are long term. The main consequences of being caught shoplifting are: a police caution, being arrested, a criminal record and potentially prison (depending on the severity of the offence).
Possession of Cannabis carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine; supplying others – even if you give it away for free – has a maximum 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Rogue apps on smartphones send text messages secretly to premium-rate numbers. Monitor your ‘phone and bill regularly for any unusual activity.
The average length of jailtime for possession of a knife is 7 months. If carried in public, you face 2 years imprisonment and a £5,000 fine.