What changes are being made to the Highway Code?

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Experts at car insurance price comparison website Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers of some of the more unusual road traffic offences that drivers may not even realise they are breaking. From flashing a fellow driver to splashing a pedestrian, there are many surprising motoring laws that can catch out even the most careful of drivers.

Greg Wilson, the founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Most of us are aware that we will receive a fine and points on our licence for speeding or talking on a mobile phone.

“But there are many rules and regulations of the road that we may not have been directly taught, that are very important to know in order to avoid prosecution.

“Motorists often assume that they only risk points on their licence by driving too fast, running a red light or causing an accident, but being a safe driver and keeping your licence clean isn’t as simple as that.

“Being wary of the less obvious rules, regulations and laws can keep drivers out of trouble with the law and help keep their insurance premiums down at a time when we all need to keep costs to a minimum.”

The lesser-known rules include…

Splashing pedestrians

Splashing pedestrians can be an offence of careless and inconsiderate driving whether done with malicious intent or not.

Motorists could be fined if their “driving amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness”.

A common punishment for this offence is a £100 fine and three points on the licence but fines can rise as high as £5,000.

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Taking care to avoid puddles near bus shelters and pedestrianised areas is the best way to avoid picking up avoidable points.

Flashing headlights at other cars

The Highway code states that drivers should only use headlights to let other road users know that they are there.

Flashing the headlights in an attempt to convey annoyance to another road users could be interpreted as ‘furious’ driving which carries the potential of fines and penalty points.

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Attempting to warn other drivers of a speed camera or a police speed trap carries a maximum penalty of £1,000 for wilfully obstructing a police officer.

Driving too slowly

This rule is one that sparks controversy because some deem it as unfair or harsh, whereas others believe by eradicating slow drivers, traffic jams will be less severe.

Although there is no minimum speed limit on motorways for example, if drivers are caught driving dangerously slowly, they can be pulled over by the police.

Depending on the severity of the offence, a common penalty is a £100 fine and three points for not showing reasonable consideration to other drivers.

Driving with an unsecured pet

Although this offence usually attracts a fine and three points, this could increase to nine points for more serious offences.

Most motorists aren’t aware that it is dangerous and illegal to have a pet dog in the car unsecured while driving.

Swearing

Getting angry behind the wheel could land drivers in trouble, especially when it is excessive.

Not only can this be classified as a breach of peace, but it could also leave motorists with a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on the licence.

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