Obscure motoring offences that can land you a fine and points on your licence.
The vast majority of us drive with due care and attention at all times, ensuring a safe passage, not just for ourselves, but other road users and pedestrians. Yet be wary – you might still find yourself falling foul of some of the perhaps more obscure offences.
Wetting Walkers
The notion of splashing pedestrians may seem amusing to some when navigating large puddles after rainfall, but it could be deemed as careless driving or inconsiderate driving. However, this inconsiderate action can result in hefty fines of up to £5,000.
Even splashing a willing pedestrian – see any number of YouTube clips where pavement users beckon a car into making a splash – is an immediate road traffic offence and could land you in hot water (rather than that of the muddy, puddled variety).
Detached Directions
Sat navs are essential tools for drivers nowadays, but they must be properly secured to prevent distractions or injuries that could lead to dangerous driving. Ensure your sat nav or smartphone does not obstruct any part of your windscreen, because failure to do so could result in a fine of £200 and potential penalty points for dangerous driving.
In much the same way, while placing an air freshener in a convenient spot at the centre of your car may seem appealing, it poses the same risk of obstructing vision. This could be one of the more expensive aromas you’ve owned!
Carefree Creatures
While travelling with pets in your car may not be illegal, it is vital to ensure they are securely restrained, either in a carrier or by other suitable means. Allowing pets to roam freely inside the vehicle can distract the driver, resulting in a £100 fine and penalty points on your licence for careless driving.
Dirty Digits
Whether accidental or not, having a number plate that is unclean or obscured – making your vehicle registration unreadable – is an offence under the Road Vehicles Regulations (2001). Keep your registration plate sparkling and clear of mud or dirt to avoid a fines of up to £1,000.
Belligerent Beeping
Many drivers use their car horn to express frustration while stationary in traffic, but this is illegal unless alerting another driver to a potential danger or hazard. If you are caught honking your horn in non-moving traffic out of frustration rather than to signal a threat, you could face a fine.
While these motoring offences may not, on the face of it, represent some of the worst driving offences that can be committed on the road, they can easily end up being as costly as speeding or illegal parking so, as always, think safety first.
