There are a lot more people out on the roads than there were some twenty or thirty years ago. With more drivers on the road, it can increase the risks and the danger that driving can bring. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times when you’re driving.
For some, it may have been a while since they’ve passed their test, and you can very quickly forget what rules and laws are in place to keep you and others safe on the road. So, here are some UK driving laws you didn’t know and could be pulled over for.
Road users need to obey the highway code, and hogging the middle lane is a big no-no. It’s not only inconsiderate, but it could result in a £100 fine and even three penalty points on your license. It’s a simple rule that can easily be broken. Always keep in the left-hand lane.
Keeping your furry friend safe in a car doesn’t mean letting your dog hang its head of the car window. Although plenty may have done so, the Highway Code states that any dog or animal needs to be suitably restrained within the motor vehicle. They also cannot distract you while driving, so with that in mind, keep their head inside the car!
Excessive and loud noises like playing your radio or music too loud in the car can be very distracting. Whilst you may think it’s not doing any harm outside of your car, think again. Playing loud music when you’re driving could result in a £5,000 fine.
We all know we shouldn’t drive too fast, and although there are no minimum speed limit signs in the UK, you can still be penalised for slow driving. The Road Traffic Act 1988 mentions driving without consideration for other drivers. So when it comes to holding up other persons, it may result in a hefty fine and three points or more.
However, keep in mind that speed limits are a maximum speed; there might be times when conditions mean you should drive considerably slower than this.
There’s nothing crueller than splashing pavement users whilst driving. Many do try to avoid water on the road, or they’ll drive slowly. It’s an offence to drive without reasonable consideration for other people, including pedestrians, so be wary of pedestrians on the pavement when driving through water.
It seems like a relatively harmless thing to do because many of us will use our phones to make payments.
However, using your mobile phone to pay at a drive-thru could result in a £200 fine and six penalty points if your engine is running. So be sure to stop the engine; it’s never useful to have your vehicle engine running unnecessarily, anyway.
What used to be a friendly warning to fellow drivers has now become a criminal offence. Warning other motorists of police carrying checks for people speeding such as flashing your headlights to warn of a speed camera/roadside police speed check is a breach of the Highway Code and the Police Act.
When parking, vehicles need to park in a recognised parking space. Parking is allowed alongside a pavement, but it’ll become illegal if you mount the curb. It’s unlawful in London specifically if you park on the pavement. That is unless signs permit it. A car parked incorrectly could result in fines.
With advertising, you can only have it on a car you legally own; otherwise, you need to check with the provider of the hire purchase agreement.
Sleeping in your car isn’t illegal, but if you’re drunk or under the influence, it is, and you could be facing a serious level of penalties on your license if caught. Even if there was no intention to drive! Of course, drink driving is dangerous and life-threatening and should always be avoided.
If you’ve been making money from family and friends by giving them a lift, that could get you in trouble. Yes, under UK law, it’s illegal for a driver to turn a profit when offering other people a lift in their vehicle. It could get you in serious trouble.
It’s an offence to obstruct or hinder emergency services vehicles. So ensure you give way when emergency vehicles need to get past and don’t intentionally block their path.
No one wants to encounter any form of road rage whilst driving, but it does happen. It’s easy to get hot-headed by fellow drivers, but it’s essential to keep your cool. The Highway Code states that you should only use the horn while moving and only to warn other road users of your presence.
The speed at which you travel while towing a caravan is something to be very careful of, especially as the heavier your vehicle, the more control you lose when slowing down in good time. Anything over 60mph is illegal, even on motorways, and will get you in trouble.
Break too many laws, and you could see points on your licence, a driving ban, or your driving licence revoked completely. Careless driving is not something that you want to be known for.