The 1970s may feel like yesterday to some people, but plenty of everyday habits from that decade would surprise those who grew up with today’s rules. Changes in health research, public safety, and social attitudes have altered what people can do, what is allowed, and what society considers acceptable.

Seatbelts Were Rarely Enforced

During the 1970s, seatbelts were available in cars, but most states did not yet require wearing them by law. That began to change in 1984, when New York became the first state to pass a seatbelt-use law, followed by other states in the years ahead.

The Legal Drinking Age Was Lower in Many States

Between 1970 and 1975, 29 states lowered the minimum legal drinking age to 18, 19, or 20, making it easier for younger adults to buy alcohol in many parts of the country. Concerns about traffic crashes involving young drivers led to renewed restrictions, and federal legislation in 1984 pushed states to set the minimum age for purchasing alcohol at 21.

Asbestos Was Commonly Used in Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in insulation, fireproofing, and other building materials because it resisted heat and fire. Research linked exposure to serious illnesses, and federal rules began restricting certain uses during the 1970s, with further restrictions added in later years.

Some Child Labor Rules Were More Relaxed

Child labor laws were already in place during the 1970s, but agricultural work had exceptions that allowed some younger children to work under certain conditions. Farm jobs, family-run operations, and seasonal work could give children responsibilities that many people today might find surprising, though age limits and safety rules still applied.

Child Car Seat Requirements Were Much Less Strict

Child car seats existed in the 1970s, but their use was far less widespread than it is today, and laws requiring them varied by state. State requirements for child restraints spread from 1978 through 1985, bringing greater attention to the need for age-appropriate protection in vehicles.

Drunk Driving Laws Were Less Strict

Drunk driving laws and enforcement were often less stringent in the 1970s, and legal blood alcohol limits varied by state. As research and crash data highlighted the risks, states introduced tougher penalties, stronger enforcement, and lower legal limits.

Leaded Gasoline Was Still Common

Leaded gasoline was widely used in American cars during the 1970s, even as researchers and officials raised concerns about lead exposure and its effects on health, especially in children. The Environmental Protection Agency began phasing down lead in gasoline in 1973, and leaded fuel for on-road vehicles was banned in the United States in 1996.

Tobacco Advertising Was Everywhere

Cigarette advertising remained common in magazines, newspapers, and other print media during the 1970s, even after federal rules ended cigarette ads on television and radio in 1971. As evidence linking smoking to serious diseases grew, further restrictions on tobacco marketing followed, making many older advertising tactics unacceptable or prohibited today.

Exotic Pets Had Fewer Restrictions in Some Places

Rules for owning exotic animals varied widely by state and local government, and some places allowed private ownership of animals that now face tighter controls. Concerns about animal welfare, public safety, and the risk of released animals harming local ecosystems have led many jurisdictions to restrict the ownership of certain species.

Corporal Punishment in Schools Was More Accepted

Physical punishment, including paddling, was common in many American schools during the 1970s and was permitted in many states. Public opinion and state laws have changed over time, though corporal punishment remains legal in some U.S. public schools today.

Airport Security Was Much More Relaxed

Airport screening became more widespread in the early 1970s after federal rules required passenger screening in response to a rise in hijackings. Compared with today’s procedures, screening then was less extensive, and many security steps familiar to modern travelers came later.

Raw Milk Was More Widely Available in Some Areas

Raw milk, not pasteurized to kill harmful germs, was available through some farms and local sellers, though access and rules varied by state. Today, federal law restricts the sale of raw milk across state lines for direct human consumption, while state laws differ on whether and how it can be sold within their borders.

Looking Back Shows How Much Has Changed

Many habits from the 1970s reflect the laws, health information, and social expectations of that time, and some practices were already being challenged during the decade. Looking back helps explain why rules around public safety, consumer protection, and personal responsibility have changed over the past several decades.