Most people assume that if an item is sold in stores or easy to order online, it must be legal to own anywhere in the country. That isn’t always true, since state laws can differ quite a bit and some ordinary-looking items come with restrictions.

The rules can be tied to public safety, health concerns, environmental protection, licensing, or federal law. People can also run into trouble after moving to a new state, inheriting something, or picking up a new hobby without checking the local rules first.

Here are 10 things that may be illegal or restricted in certain states.

Counterfeit Money — Image Credit: Pexels

Unauthorized Prescription Drugs

Prescription medication is meant for the person whose name is on the prescription. Keeping someone else’s medication, even if they gave it to you, can break state or federal drug laws.

If you have old or unused medication, look for a pharmacy or local medication take-back program. These programs give you a safer way to get rid of prescriptions you no longer need.

Counterfeit Money

Fake money isn’t legal to keep just because you’re treating it like a souvenir. Federal law prohibits possessing counterfeit currency because it can be used to pass off fake money as real.

If you think you received a counterfeit bill, don’t try to spend it or pass it along to someone else. Take it to your bank or contact local authorities for guidance.

Unlicensed Firearms

Firearm laws can look very different from one state to another. Some states have permit, registration, or licensing rules that apply to certain firearms, while others restrict particular models or accessories.

Before buying or transferring a firearm, check the laws that apply in your state. A mistake can lead to serious legal consequences.

Pirated Movies, Music, and Software

Unauthorized copies of movies, music, software, and video games can violate copyright law. It doesn’t matter whether the copy is saved on a computer, phone, hard drive, or physical disc.

Downloading or keeping pirated files may seem harmless, but copyright violations can result in fines or other legal action. Legitimate streaming, download, and purchase options are a much safer choice.

Lock-Picking Tools

Lock-picking sets aren’t illegal everywhere, but some states have rules about owning or carrying them. The circumstances surrounding possession can also matter under certain state laws.

If you’re buying a set for locksmith training or lock sport, check the rules where you live first. A hobby that is legal in one state may come with restrictions in another.

Certain Plants

Some plants are restricted because they’re invasive, protected, or regulated by state or federal agencies. Depending on the plant, you may need a permit to grow, sell, transport, or possess it.

Before adding an unfamiliar plant to your garden, check your state’s rules. A plant sold in one area may be restricted or banned somewhere else.

Homemade Distilled Alcohol

Making beer or wine at home is permitted in many places, but making distilled spirits has different rules. Producing liquor without the required federal authorization is illegal, even if you’re making it for yourself.

Home distilling can also involve state laws, permits, and tax requirements. Check the rules before buying equipment or starting a batch.

Certain Weapons

Weapon laws can vary a lot between states and even between cities. Items such as switchblades, brass knuckles, throwing stars, and certain batons may be legal in one place and prohibited in another.

If you own a specialty weapon, check the laws before taking it across state lines. Moving to another state can also change whether you can legally possess it.

Certain Light Bulbs

Older incandescent bulbs you already own generally aren’t something you need to throw away just because newer rules are in place. Federal energy standards have restricted the manufacture and sale of many bulbs that don’t meet current efficiency requirements.

LED bulbs have become the common replacement for many older models. They use less electricity and tend to last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Raw Milk

Raw milk laws vary widely across the United States. Some states allow direct sales from farms, while others permit limited sales through arrangements such as herd-share programs or restrict retail sales.

If you buy raw milk, check the rules in your state before purchasing it. The laws can be very different depending on where you live.