Vacationers, of which a high percentage will be on British roads this summer, ought to pay attention to the Ten Most Common Offences they may commit unwittingly, while driving, whether on just short hops, or longer treks. From eating and drinking while driving, to using the mobile phone as a satnav, when not fixed to the windscreen or dashboard, are the most common things drivers do, particularly on longer trips, that are illegal. It may interest you to know that even paying by contactless means at a ‘drive-in’ eatery, or beeping your car’s horn at other road users can also attract fines.
Here are the Ten Offences you might commit on your annual summer UK road trip:
- Using your mobile phone as a satnav in an unfixed position
While the majority of smart phones come equipped with their own navigation app, it is in fact illegal to use your phone as a satnav, if it is not fixed to your vehicle’s windscreen, or dashboard, using a phone-holder or something similar. Breach this law and you could be liable for six points on your licence and a £200 fine. If you have only held your licence for two years or less, this could equate to a driving ban.
- Eating or drinking while driving
Refreshing yourself on long car journeys can lead to a prosecution by the police, if you are considered to be ‘not in complete control’ of your vehicle. Should you be distracted by doing things like snacking, drinking, applying makeup, or even changing a CD in your car, you could face a £100 fine and anything from three to nine penalty points.
- Paying with your phone at a drive-through restaurant
Contactless technology means that you can use your phone to pay for items under £30 by simply swiping it over the card machine. However, petty as it sounds, unless you switch off the engine and apply the parking-brake, you are breaking the law and you could face a maximum £1,000 fine, or six penalty points.
- Beeping your horn in anger
Bouts of road rage are common, especially if you have been stuck in your vehicle for hours on end and the traffic is not playing ball. Frustration builds and you might be tempted to honk your horn at other drivers. Please do not do so, as beeping your horn, for any other reason than alerting someone of your presence, could land you a swift £30 fine.
- Driving too slowly
While driving too quickly can be regarded as ‘dangerous’, in the eyes of the law, driving too slowly is also. If you are a long way below the limit, you could be punished with anything from a verbal warning, to a whopping nine points on your licence.
- Not restraining your dog in the car
According to the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle, so that they do not distract the driver, or injure them, if the vehicle stops quickly. Failure to restrain your pet violates Rule 57 of the Highway Code and, as such, motorists can be levied with a £100 on-the-spot fine and failure to pay could result in a court case and a maximum fine of £5,000.
- Flashing your headlights to give way
It is common but never recommended for motorists to flash their headlights to allow other drivers to pass, or pull out. However, to do so is illegal. Headlamp flashes should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence. If you are spotted flashing your headlights for any other reason – such as warning other road-users of a speed trap – you can face a minimum £30 fine.
- Having a dirty number plate
If your road trip involves muddy country lanes, ensure that your number plate stays clean and legible, as a dirty and ‘unreadable’ plate could land you a fine of up to £1,000.
- Splashing pedestrians with puddles
Our unpredictable weather means that we still have to endure random downpours. Take extra care, if this is the case, as splashing pedestrians, intentionally, or not, can leave you liable to a fine from between £100 to £5,000, with a three points ‘bonus’ on your licence.
- Pulling up on the hard shoulder
The motorway hard shoulder should only be used in the event of emergencies. It is not a resting point. If you are caught, you could be charged with £100 and three points.
