We take a look and detail little-known driving offences which, if they lead to an accident, could mean that you (or your insurer) will end up footing the bill.
Warning others about speed traps
Many of us will have been in a situation where another motorist flashes you and it takes a few moments to realise that they are warning you about a police camera a little further along the road. Perhaps you have flashed someone a similar warning, but did you know, this could land you with a £1000 fine! This is deemed as ‘wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of his or her duty, set out in section 89 of the Police Act 1989. The Highway Code states that ‘you should only flash your headlights to let other road users know you that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users’. So much for being a good Samaritan!
Loud music
Cranking up the stereo and enjoying some singing is not strictly illegal, but doing this while driving could be deemed a distraction, and could see you stuck with a £100 fine and three points on your licence. If you do this whilst stationary, local authorities could decide to give you a noise abatement notice. If you are asked to turn the music down and refuse your car could be seized.
Splashing pedestrians
As someone who walks to work regularly, I know only too well the impotent rage I feel when cars drive through large puddles too quickly. I recently enjoyed a mouth full of puddle water thanks to the tender ministrations of a Range Rover! Had I read this blog and had sufficient piece of mind to try to remember the registration plate, then I could have insisted that the Police charged the miscreant under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1998 for ‘driving without reasonable consideration for other persons’. A fine of £100.00 and 3 penalty points is the penalty. A more serious charge of driving in such a way that “amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience and aggressiveness” could result in the fine being increased to £5,000.00. Whether you could prove the intent of the driver, however, will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Unrestrained pets
My dog loves sticking his head just out of the window and letting the cool breeze gently tickle his long floppy ears, so this one will come as a blow to young Sidney the spaniel. The risk here is that, whilst there is no direct penalty for unrestrained pets, you could be slapped with a charge of driving without due care and attention if you’re distracted by the animal. Should such a case end up at Court, the maximum punishment is a fine of £5000 and 9 points on your licence! Rule 57 of the Highway Code says: ‘’When in a vehicle, make sure dog or other animals are suitably restrained so that they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seatbelt, harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are a way of restraining animals in cars’’.
Honking your horn
Many of us will be shocked to hear that you may get into trouble (in the form of a £1000 fine) for using your vehicle’s horn, unless its to warn other motorists of your vehicle’s presence. Rule 112 of the Highway Code states: “Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on the road, or when driving in a built-up area between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am, except when another road user poses a danger.” Sports fans loudly celebrating a victory via the medium of their car horn be warned!
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist team of lawyers for advice by calling 0114 218 4000 or emailing us at info@tayloremmet.co.uk
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