13 Things That Are Illegal Now But Were Legal In The 70s
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During the 1970s, various laws that are now considered illegal were commonplace, reflecting the social attitudes and cultural norms of the time. For instance, the decade saw the prevalence of laws surrounding drinking ages, which varied from state to state and were often lower than today’s minimum age of 21.
Overall, the legal landscape has continuously evolved, with many modern laws reflecting the changing values and priorities that began in the 70s. Many activities that were once legal in the 70s are now prohibited. These are 13 things that are illegal now but were perfectly legal back then.
Lax Seatbelt Laws
Many vehicles didn’t even have seatbelts; wearing one was often considered optional. It wasn’t until 1984 that New York became the first state to pass a mandatory seatbelt law, and even then, the compliance rate was low.
The NHTSA reveals that proper seatbelt use reduces the risk of death by 45% for front-seat passengers and up to 60% for back-seat passengers in the event of a crash. States gradually implemented laws to mandate seatbelt use, culminating in a nationwide push for seatbelt legislation throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Drinking Age of 18
The 26th Amendment, ratified in July 1971, lowered the voting age to 18 (from 21), leading many to argue that if young adults were deemed responsible enough to vote, they should also be trusted to enjoy a drink.
However, alcohol became a factor in over 60% of traffic fatalities, with two-thirds of traffic deaths being among persons aged 16 to 20. In response, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 was passed, mandating that states raise their legal drinking age to 21 or face a decrease in federal highway funds.
Use of Asbestos in Construction
This fibrous material was used widely for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that asbestos can be found in roofing materials, insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring.
By the late 1970s, studies began highlighting the severe health risks associated with its inhalation, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. In 1989, the EPA took a significant step and proposed a ban on all asbestos-containing products. While this total ban was overturned in the early 90s, regulations were implemented, leading to a steep decline in use.
Child Labor
In the 1970s, there were fewer restrictions on child labor, particularly in agriculture and family businesses, especially in lower-income households. Employment was seen as a rite of passage, and some believed it instilled a strong work ethic in the youth.
In 1976, the Child Labor Amendment was proposed, aiming to safeguard children from exploitation. By 1989, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing the necessity for education over employment. The U.S. finally enacted stricter regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, prohibiting the employment of children in hazardous conditions.
Minimal Child Car Seat Regulations
Parents relied on seat belts alone to keep their little ones safe during car rides, often allowing kids to roam freely in the back seat. As long as kids were buckled in, they were good to go. The landmark 1985 study by the NHTSA found that car crashes were the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4.
Today, all 50 states have laws mandating child safety seats, and their proper use has been shown to reduce fatal injury risk by 54% for toddlers and 71% for infants in passenger cars.
Drunk Driving with High BAC Limits
At the time, many states set their legal BAC limit at 0.10% or even higher. Large gatherings, parties, and even the infamous disco clubs often encouraged a carefree attitude toward drinking and driving. People believed they could “handle” their drinks.
A pivotal moment came in 1980 when advocacy groups led by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) began lobbying for stricter laws. This grassroots movement bore fruit; by the mid-1980s, most states had reduced the legal BAC limit to 0.08%.
Use of Leaded Gasoline
Leaded gasoline was enjoyed for improving engine performance and reducing knocking. The tetraethyl lead additive was used in high-octane fuels to enhance combustion. Over time, lead exposure was linked to severe health risks, including cognitive impairments and other developmental issues in children.
Leaded gasoline contributed to elevated blood lead levels in 170 million American children. The gradual phase-out of leaded gasoline started in the mid-1970s, and the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 ultimately banned its use entirely by 1996.
Advertising Tobacco to Minors
TV commercials, magazine spreads, and billboards prominently featured smiling models, adventurous smokers, and chic lifestyles designed to paint smoking as a glamorous choice. The 1970s saw the height of cigarette advertising, with companies spending over $300 million annually on marketing their products.
Mounting evidence linking smoking to serious health issues culminated in the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which prohibited tobacco companies from using advertising that appealed to children and teenagers.
Owning Exotic Pets Without Permits
In the 1970s, owning exotic pets like iguanas, macaws, and even more unconventional choices such as boa constrictors was quite common and largely unregulated. 1980, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enacted regulations to protect wildlife and human interests.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, many states began implementing stricter laws, often requiring permits and ownership documentation for exotic pets. A 2013 Association of Zoos and Aquariums report estimates that over 50,000 exotic pets were kept in the United States without proper permits before these regulations took effect.
Spanking in Schools
Paddling and spanking were standard disciplinary practices in many classrooms across the United States. The belief was, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5–4) in Ingraham v. Wright that corporal punishment did not violate students’ Eighth Amendment rights.
Between 1974 and 1994, 25 states (e.g., California) banned corporal punishment from public schools. However, corporal punishment is still currently legal in private schools in all states except Maryland, public schools in 17 states, and practiced in 12 of the states.
Minimal Airline Security
Back then, air travel was viewed as a carefree experience, unencumbered by the fears of terrorism or violence that would later dominate public consciousness. The TSA reveals that before regulations tightened, significant incidents such as hijackings led to an alarming surge—from fewer than 100 incidents in the late 1960s to over 200 in 1972 alone.
However, the turning point came on September 11, 2001, when terrorist attacks underscored the glaring weaknesses present in air travel security. In response, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed, resulting in the establishment of the TSA and the implementation of comprehensive security measures.
Selling Unpasteurized Milk
Consumers were drawn to raw milk for its supposedly richer flavor and higher nutritional value than its pasteurized counterpart. However, by the late 1970s and into the 1980s, health concerns began to surface regarding the consumption of raw milk.
Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to unpasteurized dairy products, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria infections, prompted a reevaluation of its safety. By 1987, California became one of the first states to adopt strict regulations concerning the sale of raw milk.
Unregulated Supplements
In the 1970s, dietary supplements were largely unregulated, leading to a booming industry that marketed vitamins, minerals, and herbs as health-enhancing products.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 was pivotal in supplement regulation. It was enacted due to growing concerns over consumer safety. Before this, manufacturers enjoyed significant leeway in their product claims.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
