5 driving laws you may be breaking daily

If you’ve got a UK driving license, then you’re more than aware of who has the right of way, what the traffic signs mean and which headlights to use and when. However, there are some rules of the road you might not be brushed up on. Fortunately, we’ve made you a list of laws you may not be aware of to save yourself a nasty fine.

1.       Stopped at traffic? Stay off that phone!

It may seem a perfectly safe time to check your phone, but you can land yourself in hot water if you grab for your phone in standstill traffic. Even if your car isn’t moving, it’s illegal to hold your phone in your hand while your engine is running. Only when your car is pulled over, with the handbrake on and engine off, are you completely safe to use you phone.

This even stretches to using your phone at a drive-thru to pay; you could be facing a £200 fine and six points on your license if you’re caught. Maybe think about a different way to pay next time you want to grab a McDonald’s on your way home!

2.       Be sensible about footwear

There’s no specific law regarding footwear, but you can be caught out for wearing clothing that hinders your ability to drive safely. If you’re struggling to use the pedals in your car, you may be in the wrong footwear. Shoes like flip-flops and heels can land you with a careless driving charge, setting you back £100 and three points on your license. It’s always a good idea to keep a spare pair of comfy shoes in your car just in case!

3.       Keep your furry friend buckled up

While your well-behaved pet might seem perfectly safe in the back seat, there are strict laws on how they should sit in the car. This doesn’t only benefit them, but it also stops you from being distracted. Keeping your pet suitably restrained will keep you from the news of a £5000 fine and nine points on your license. The government recommend a seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet cage or dog guard to keep your companions safe.

4.       Let it snow (but not on your car!)

We all know we have to scrape the snow off our windscreen before we set off. But did you know that you could find yourself in a spot of bother if there’s snow on your roof? If the snow falls onto your windscreen and obscures your view, you could be using your car in a dangerous condition and could face a £60 fine and three points on your license. You may meet a similar fate if snow flies back into another car. Make sure your car is completely clear of snow next time you head out on a winter morning.

5.       Splashing is for the pool, not the road

Everyone in the UK is more than familiar with a wet, miserable day. Driving through puddles seems unavoidable, but you may have to splash the cash if the water from a puddle you drive through hits a pedestrian. Classed as careless driving, splashing a pedestrian will cost you a whopping £5000 and up to nine penalty points if reported. Even more reason to drive slowly and carefully on the wet roads.