The Locksmith Journal Mar/Apr 2021 - Issue 73 | Page 82

MOTORING

Seven motoring laws that are commonly broken

Drivers are being advised to brush up on some of the most obscure motoring laws , to save them from being landed with a fine .
» THE MOTORING EXPERTS AT LeaseVan . co . uk have compiled commonly broken laws that are probably lesser known to save Brits from paying out unnecessarily .
Most people think they are good drivers , but many are out of practice after lockdown and there are plenty of obscure rules on the road that could catch the most experienced drivers out .
Offences range from paying with your smartphone , splashing a pedestrian with a puddle and parking the wrong way around on the road .
A spokesperson for LeaseVan . co . uk said : “ With people leaving their homes less often , there is more of a spotlight on those out and about on the roads regularly .
“ Some of us passed our driving test many moons ago , meaning the Highway Code might be a distant memory . These tips will help you brush up on the more obvious rules , like not honking your horn out of rage and those that you may have never heard of ”.
Laws to stay on the right side of : 1 . Horns
Every driver has experienced road rage on the odd occasion but be careful when expressing your anger through the form of a horn hoot . Beeping for any other reason , other than alerting someone of your presence could land you with a fine of at least £ 30 .
2 . Flashing
Most motorists will be guilty of flashing another driver to give way or say thank you . Less will know that legally , this is a big no-no . Headlamp flashes should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence , those caught using it for other reasons could face a minimum £ 30 fine .
3 . Splashing
Splashing a pedestrian stood on the pavement with rainwater or a puddle is also an illegal offence . This is because it is illegal to drive “ without reasonable consideration for other persons ”, anyone caught showering a walker will land themselves responsible for a fine costing anywhere between £ 100 and £ 5,000 .
4 . Drugs
It is obvious that drivers will get in trouble if caught drunk or intoxicated by other means behind the wheel . Less people know that taking over the counter and prescription drugs such as diazepam , codeine , tramadol and fentanyl before driving could also cause a fine . This is because they induce drowsiness and could cause a lapse in concentration when behind the wheel .
5 . Car kipping Those thinking of kipping on the back seat to avoid a risky drive after a beer , are best to stay where they are . The law states that those in charge of a motor vehicle should not be inebriated . Whilst technically not in charge of the vehicle , the police might see the matter differently . Those caught have been landed with a minimum of 10 points and a fine .
6 . Smartphone payments
Paying on a smartphone device is usually the easiest option for those trying to get their fast food through a drive-through window . However , unless the vehicle ’ s engine is switched off and the hand break is applied , it is illegal . Remembering a contactless card could save you a bit of cash in the long run .
7 . Parking direction
In the evening , motorists should manoeuvre the position of their car towards the direction that traffic is coming from . This is because rule 248 of the Highway Code says that after dark , “ a car must not be parked at the side of the road facing against the direction of traffic unless in a recognised parking space ”. However , it is perfectly legal during the day and probably the rule most motorists are guilty of breaking .
82
MAR / APR 2021
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor