Britain’s patchwork of age limits for adult rights and responsibilities highlights the difficulty of defining maturity, with the voting age debate testing whether 16-year-olds are ready for such civic responsibility. | Getty Image
Jul 20, 2026
Pity the poor British teen as they try to work out what they’re legally allowed (and not allowed) to do as they enter adulthood.
They can get married on their 16th birthday, but only with their parents’ consent. They wouldn’t be able to drive to the wedding, though, not until 17. Nor have a glass of champagne. That would need to wait until their 18th celebration.
Brits turning 16 can have sex if they want, unless it’s with someone in a position of “trust and responsibility,” like a teacher. They can’t watch other people having sex in pornographic films until 18.
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