5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Are Illegal in the Hudson Valley

Most people are unaware that these five things that most of us do are actually illegal in the Hudson Valley.

Most law-abiding citizens do their best to follow the rules and stay out of trouble. That's why we thought it was a pretty good idea to get the word out about these lesser-known laws. From what you put on your car to what you grow in your front yard you may be breaking the law without even knowing it.

Having a window sticker on your car
Two summers ago we told you about a New York law that makes it technically illegal to have those popular stick-figure families on the back window of your car. While most police officers are too busy to pull you over for having these stickers on your car, If you're already getting a ticket for something else they can easily add on a charge of having an obstructed view. The penalty is a $150 fine, 30 days in jail, or both. Now you know.

Planting honeysuckle in your yard
Last March, New York State passed a law that made it illegal to grow 69 different plant species in your garden. Among them are Honeysuckle, Canada Thistle, Japanese Barberry, Yellow Iris, Sycamore Maple trees and Bamboo. So be careful, your green thumb may be called in for fingerprinting if you're caught.

Selling certain items at yard sales or thrift stores
An investigation in 2014 found that Salvation Army and Goodwill stores in the Hudson Valley were selling clothing items that were banned by the government. Specifically, hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings that could pose a strangulation hazard for children. If you have any clothes over a decade old, check them for the drawstrings, they're against the law.

Stopping 19 feet away from a school bus
Of course, everyone knows that passing a school bus with flashing lights is a serious offense. But earlier this school year we reviewed some not-so-well-known school bus laws that many of you might not be aware of. They include stopping for a bus that's on the opposite side of a two-sided highway and being at least 20 feet away from a stopped bus. You might want to read up on more of these rules before you break a law that you never knew existed before.

Petting a tiger
The 2014 Dutchess County Fair was the first year the "Touch a Tiger" exhibit was banned from appearing. That's because Governor Cuomo signed a new law making it illegal for traveling fairs and attractions to allow people to come in contact with lions, tigers and other big cats. Of course, that didn't stop some from finding a legal loophole.

Have you been breaking the law without even knowing it? We want to know how many illegal activities you've been unknowingly involved with. Let us know in the comments section below.