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.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a31000 fine! This is deemed as \u2018wilfully 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 \u2018you 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\u2019. So much for being a good Samaritan!<\/p>\n
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 \u00a3100 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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0could<\/em>\u00a0have insisted that the Police charged the miscreant under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1998 for \u2018driving without reasonable consideration for other persons\u2019. A fine of \u00a3100.00 and 3 penalty points is the penalty. A more serious charge of driving in such a way that \u201camounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience and aggressiveness\u201d could result in the fine being increased to \u00a35,000.00. Whether you could prove the intent of the driver, however, will depend on the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re distracted by the animal. Should such a case end up at Court, the maximum punishment is a fine of \u00a35000 and 9 points on your licence!\u00a0 Rule 57 of the Highway Code says: \u2018\u2019When 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\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n Many of us will be shocked to hear that you may get into trouble (in the form of a \u00a31000 fine) for using your vehicle\u2019s horn, unless its to warn other motorists of your vehicle\u2019s presence. Rule 112 of the Highway Code states: \u201cNever 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.\u201d Sports fans loudly celebrating a victory via the medium of their car horn be warned!<\/p>\nUnrestrained pets<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Honking your horn<\/strong><\/h3>\n