1. Letting your dog hang out the car window
While some dogs love to stick their head out of the window, be aware it could lead to fine! The law says dogs should be ‘suitably restrained’ when travelling in the car to avoid distraction or injury. If not, there’s a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to nine points on your licence.
2. Dirty number plates
Make sure your number plates are visible. If police can’t clearly see your plates, it could land you with a fine of up to £1,000.
3. Excessively loud music
We all love listening to music while driving, but playing it too loud on the move could affect more than your hearing. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states distractions such as loud music could drown out other important sounds, such as sirens or distressed passengers in rear seats.
4. Swearing while driving
We may not like to admit it, but many of us experience road rage. However, did you know that swearing or making rude gestures to other drivers is classed as ‘disorderly conduct’ under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and not having proper control of the vehicle?
5. Switching off the engine while stationary
Apart from being greener and cheaper, you must switch off the engine when your vehicle is stationary to avoid a fine. This law doesn’t apply when you are sitting in a traffic jam, but it does when you’re sitting in your car and can land you with a £20 on-the-spot fine (or more in London).
6. Splashing pedestrians with puddles
With the British climate and potholes on our roads, it’s hard to miss puddles but take extra care not to splash pedestrians. Such an action is deemed as ‘driving without due care or consideration’ and can cost the driver three penalty points and a fine ranging from £100 to £5,000.
7. Mobile phone use while driving
In March 2022, the law changed and ‘using a device’ has expanded to include, illuminating the screen, unlocking the device, and checking notifications while driving. However, using a phone to make an emergency call is allowed.
8. Sleeping in your car when over the limit
If police find you sleeping in your car while under the influence of alcohol, even if the engine is off, they could charge you with being ‘drunk in charge’ of a motor vehicle. This can lead to at least 10 penalty points and a big fine.
9. Flashing your headlights
If you flash your headlights to passing drivers to warn them about an upcoming speed trap, you could find yourself in trouble with the police. It's ‘obstructing an officer’s duty’, and could cost you between £30 and £1,000 if caught.
10. Clearing snow from your roof
Snow and ice can fall off a car roof, and obstruct your own view and other drivers’. Failing to remove it from your car roof can result in a cold £60 fine and three penalty points, so make sure you leave enough time to clear the whole car. To brush up on the Highway Code, visit the Government website.
Find out more on the Motability Scheme website.
Photo: LeManna/iStockphoto, Peter Cade/Getty Images; Janusz Walczak/Pixabay
