We recently did a quick poll on Facebook to ask our fans whether it was an urban myth that drivers can be fined for splashing a pedestrian – 89% got it right. You can of course be fined as it’s considered to be ‘driving without reasonable consideration for other persons’. Fines could be anything from £100 to £5,000. 

 

On that theme we have found eight others actions which you may not be aware could be considered to be driving offences and which could attract penalty points or fines…. 

Using your mobile phone as a SatNav in an unfixed position – you can be fined £200 and will receive 6 points on your licence if your phone is not fixed on your windscreen or dashboard. It must be in clear sight for the driver to see without having to hold it. 

 

Paying with your phone at a drive thru! You could face a maximum fine of £1,000 or six points – unless you have switched off your engine and applied your handbrake! 

 

Sleeping in your car while inebriated. If you’ve had too much drink of course you won’t be driving anywhere. But, with nowhere else to go you may consider sleeping if off in your car. This could leave you open to a drink drive fine. 

 

Driving with snow on the roof. According to the highway code you must have a clear view of the road when driving in adverse conditions – you must be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle. If the snow on your roof slips onto the windscreen or inot the path of another road user it can cause a hazard and could result in offences such as driving without due care and attention or ‘using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition’. 

 

Flashing your lights to give way. This is a frequent practice, but technically can be considered a driving offence if an accident results. Headlight flashes should only be used to warn drivers of your presence on the road. 

 

Leaving a child alone in the car – even in a petrol station. How many times of you seen a parent leave anguish over leaving a sleeping child in the car while they pop out to pay for petrol or into a shop? It’s illegal to leave a child in the car if it leaves them as risk 

 

Letting animals out of the car while broken down on the hard shoulder. You must leave animals in a broken down vehicle when stranded on the hard shoulder. 

 

Incorrect use of lanes. We all know about the middle lane hog on the motorway of course! But this applies to all multi-lane roads. You must stay in the left hand land unless overtaking or turning right. Staying in the middle lane of the motorway falls into the category of ‘careless driving’ and punishment is 3 points and up to £100 fine. 

 

 

And as always, if you have a journey or need a chauffeur for any leisure or business trips please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 01934 611 777 or 0117 403 3555.