UK driving laws can sometimes be confusing, but they’re extremely important for road safety. Make sure there is no chance of you receiving a fine, points or a ban and remain safe behind the wheel by testing your knowledge of the rules below!
Parking Laws
Make sure you do not park against the traffic flow, doing so at night can result in a fine of up to £1,000 for regular vehicles and £2,500 for goods vehicles. The reasoning behind this particular law is that, parking against the flow of traffic, can make it very difficult for motorists to spot your stationary vehicle.
In London, it is illegal to park on the pavement. Mounting the curb can result in a £70 fine. The Department for Transportis pushing for this legislation to span across the whole of the UK.
It is against the law to sleep in your car while under the influence of alcohol, no matter where you stash your keys. Even if the engine is off and the keys are firmly in your boot, the police will still charge you with “being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle” under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Stopping on the hard shoulder for some shut eye is against the law. This lane should only be used for emergencies and breakdowns. If you need to rest, something you ought to do for 15 minutes after every 2 hours of driving according to Rule 91 of the Highway Code, you need to find a safe place to stop on a quiet road or service station. Resting on the hard shoulder could get you a £100 fine and three points.
Speed Limits and Motor Ways
Needlessly hogging the middle lane is not only frustrating, but also against the rules of the Highway Code. Drivers caught doing so can be handed a £100 fine and three points on their license, although due to the difficulty in monitoring this, little punishments have been dished in the past. There is such a thing as being too cautious, as driving too slow is penalised as “dangerous driving”, which can result in anything from a verbal warning to 9 points on your license.
If you often tow a trailer or caravan, never use the fast lane if you want to avoid a £2,500 fine and three points on your license.
Driving License
Having a wrong or old address on your driving license can result in a £1,000 fine. Changing your address with the DVLA is absolutely free of charge, and can be done here.
The police can now test your eyesight after pulling you over. If you fail to pass the vision test, your license will be immediately rescinded.
Motorists with two driving licenses can be fined up to £1,000.
Things you do while driving that may be illegal
The following in-car activities can result in 3-9 points on your license and a £100 fine for driving without due care and attention. This does not mean it’s illegal, but can carry a penalty if the authorities deem you are not in proper control of the vehicle.
- Eating and drinking.
- Applying makeup.
- Changing a CD.Smoking.
These habits are illegal, yet not many people are entirely aware of them:
Using your phone as a SatNav in an unfixed position
Make sure your phone is in a hands-free holder to ensure your attention is on the road at all times.Paying for food at a drive-thru using your phone. When in your car, it’s illegal to use the likes of Apple and Android Car Pay. This can result in a £200 fine and six points.
Using your horn for any reason other than alerting traffic of your presence.
This includes road rage!Flashing your lights to warn other motorists about mobile speed cameras. Those caught doing so can be fined up to £1,000.
Conditions & Weather
Dirt obscuring your number plate can give you a fine of £100 on the spot, and up to £1,000 in court.
Neglecting to clear snow off your vehicle’s roof can obscure your view as well as fall off and affect motorists around you. The law acknowledges this risk, and you can be given 3 points and a £60 fine for failing to clear it off.
Splashing pedestrians with a puddle is irresponsible and hugely inconsiderate. If you’re caught doing so, you’ll get a fine between £100 and £5,000, as well as three penalty points.
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