DRIVERS are being advised to brush up on some of the most obscure motoring laws, to save them from being landed with a fine.
The motoring experts at LeaseVan.co.uk have compiled commonly broken laws that are probably lesser known to save Brits from paying out unnecessarily.
Most people think they are good drivers, but many are out of practice after lockdown and there are plenty of obscure rules on the road that could catch the most experienced drivers out.
Offences range from paying with your smartphone, splashing a pedestrian with a puddle and parking the wrong way around on the road.
A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “With people leaving their homes less often, there is more of a spotlight on those out and about on the roads regularly.
“Some of us passed our driving test many moons ago, meaning the Highway Code might be a distant memory. These tips will help you brush up on the more obvious rules, like not honking your horn out of rage and those that you may have never heard of”.
Laws to stay on the right side of:
1. Horns
Every driver has experienced road rage on the odd occasion but be careful when expressing your anger through the form of a horn hoot. Beeping for any other reason, other than alerting someone of your presence could land you with a fine of at least £30.
2. Flashing
Most motorists will be guilty of flashing another driver to give way or say thank you. Less will know that legally, this is a big no-no. Headlamp flashes should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence, those caught using it for other reasons could face a minimum £30 fine.
3. Splashing
Splashing a pedestrian stood on the pavement with rainwater or a puddle is also an illegal offence. This is because it is illegal to drive “without reasonable consideration for other persons”, anyone caught showering a walker will land themselves responsible for a fine costing anywhere between £100 and £5,000.
4. Drugs
It is obvious that drivers will get in trouble if caught drunk or intoxicated by other means behind the wheel. Less people know that taking over the counter and prescription drugs such as diazepam, codeine, tramadol and fentanyl before driving could also cause a fine. This is because they induce drowsiness and could cause a lapse in concentration when behind the wheel.
5. Car kipping
Those thinking of kipping on the back seat to avoid a risky drive after a beer, are best to stay where they are. The law states that those in charge of a motor vehicle should not be inebriated. Whilst technically not in charge of the vehicle, the police might see the matter differently. Those caught have been landed with a minimum of 10 points and a fine.
6. Smartphone payments
Paying on a smartphone device is usually the easiest option for those trying to get their fast food through a drive-through window. However, unless the vehicle’s engine is switched off and the hand break is applied, it is illegal. Remembering a contactless card could save you a bit of cash in the long run.
7. Parking direction
In the evening, motorists should manoeuvre the position of their car towards the direction that traffic is coming from. This is because rule 248 of the Highway Code says that after dark, “a car must not be parked at the side of the road facing against the direction of traffic unless in a recognised parking space”. However, it is perfectly legal during the day and probably the rule most motorists are guilty of breaking.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here