Every country has its own driving laws and there are many variations around the globe. Here in the UK, you may be surprised to learn, there are many lesser known and some might say quirky laws that you might just not be familiar with.
We found these 10 weird UK driving laws you might not know on
https://www.insurethebox.com/10-weird-uk-driving-laws-you-might-not-know/
here they are….
Dirty licence plate
Did you know that it’s illegal to drive with a dirty licence plate in the UK and you could get a fine of up to £1,000 and fail your MOT test if your plate is too dirty and ‘unreadable’.
Using your phone to pay at a drive-through
We all know that using your mobile phone whilst driving is not only irresponsible but also illegal but did you know that this also applies when your car is stationary?
Essentially it is illegal to use your phone when behind the wheel in all cases, unless your engine is off, and the handbrake is on. This means that using mobile pay to get that burger could land you with a £200 fine and six points.
Road Rage
Road rage is a thing – a dangerous one! If you have a short temper, you could get in trouble and face a fine of up to £1,000 or 3 points on your licence. This offence falls under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and could be given to drivers who show rude hand gestures or curse at other drivers. Driving aggressively or in a “selfish way”, such as tailgating, pushing into a queue of traffic or failing to give way are also punishable offences.
Splashing pedestrians
We all know (hopefully) that being splashed by a pool of water is not nice, but mistakes happen. If you do, however, splash a pedestrian, it would be seen as careless and inconsiderate driving under the Road Traffic Act 1998. You could face a fine of £100 with 3 penalty points, or if taken to court – as much as £5000!
Unrestrained pets
Does your dog like to enjoy the breeze with his/her head popping out the window, or tends to chill next to you in the passenger seat? Be careful! You are risking a £5,000 fine and 9 points if you are letting your pet roam free in the car.
The Highway Code states that for the pet’s safety and for your safety to prevent distraction, your pet should be harnessed or kept in a pet carrier when you are driving.
Honking your horn
In some countries honking is a common noise on the roads, but in the UK, honking could land you a fine of £1,000. The Highway Code states that drivers should not use their horn “aggressively” or “in stationary traffic” – without reasonable intent.
So next time you’ve “had enough” of the traffic or other drivers, stay calm – you will end up causing more damage with aggression.
Sleeping in your car after drinking
We all agree that drink driving is wrong let alone illegal but what you might think is a safe choice after a night out is also an offence – sleeping in your car when drunk.
Even though you are not driving, and your car isn’t moving, being inside your car whilst intoxicated could mean 10 penalty points and a hefty fine. It is still considered as being “in charge of a motor vehicle” according to the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Warning others of speed traps
Yes, we know, it’s nice to be nice but warning other drivers about a speed camera / trap by flashing your lights is considered obstructing a police officer in their duty and you could receive a fine for between £30 and £1000.
Loud music
Most of us enjoy listening to music when driving but if too loud, music can put you at risk. Excessive volume is covered by both The Highway Code and The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 directing to avoid distractions, such as loud music, and to not create excessive noise to others.
Driving with snow on your car roof
Visibility is the most important thing for a driver, especially in darker winter conditions. The Highway Code advises to remove all snow that might fall off. If you brake harshly, the snow on your roof can easily slip down and block your vision, or distract others, which is why driving with snow on your car roof is illegal and might end up costing you £60 with 3 penalty points.
Check out some winter car hacks here to survive the winter season.
Lots to think about here but we hope you find it useful advice.
Happy motoring !