With UK motoring laws constantly changing, it’s hard for drivers to keep up – especially if you passed your test a long time ago.
However, in the eyes of the law, naivety is no excuse! So, to help you avoid a fine or penalty points, we’ve included a list of obscure motoring laws you might have either forgotten or simply didn’t know existed.
Switching off the engine when your vehicle is stationary
Did you know, according to The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, you must switch off the engine when your vehicle is stationary?
While this law doesn’t apply when you are sitting in a traffic jam, it does when you’re sitting in your car waiting to pick someone up. Failure to do so can result in a £20 on-the-spot fine and can be even more in some areas of London.
The rules around mobile phone use
In March 2022, the law changed around using a mobile phone, sat nav, or tablet while driving a car or riding a motorcycle. The definition of ‘using a mobile device’ while driving was previously restricted to making calls and texts. However, in today’s technological age, ‘using a device’ has now expanded to include various actions such as illuminating the screen, unlocking the device, and checking notifications.
Currently, the only exceptions to using a phone while driving are making calls to emergency services or making a contactless payment when the car is stationary i.e. while at a drive-thru. You can find more details in our article on Mobile Phone Driving Laws.
Splashing pedestrians with puddles
There’s nothing more frustrating than when someone thinks it’s funny to drive through a large puddle and splash you on the side of the road. Well, it turns out the joke could be on them! This act is deemed as ‘driving without due care or consideration’ and can land the accused with three penalty points and a fine ranging from £100-£5,000!
Clearing snow from your roof
That’s right, simply clearing the snow off your windscreen isn’t enough. The main reason behind this is that snow and ice can fall off and obstruct your own view and other drivers around you. Failing to remove it from your car roof can result in a cold £60 fine and three penalty points, so make sure you’re thorough with that snow shovel!
Sleeping in your car while intoxicated
A night on the tiles doesn’t always end up the way you want it to. Whatever the reason, taking a crafty nap in your car while under the influence of alcohol can lead to a minimum (yes minimum) of ten penalty points and a possible hefty fine.
So before you get the first round of shots in, you might want to make sure you’ve got somewhere to stay afterwards.
Flashing your headlights
If you’re caught flashing your headlights to passing drivers to warn them about an upcoming speed trap, you could find yourself in a spot of bother. While to some, it’s an act of goodwill, the law sees it as obstructing an officer’s duty. Being caught can cost you between £30 and £1,000.
Driving too slowly
Drivers who are caught going too slow can also be pulled over by the police and penalised for ‘careless driving’. Depending on the circumstances, the result could be anything from a verbal warning to a maximum of nine penalty points!
Letting your dog hang out the car window
While witnessing a cute dog with their head hanging out a car window can be a a joyous sight, it’s technically breaking the law!
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that a dog should be ‘suitably restrained’ when travelling in the car to avoid distraction or injury. So sadly, while your dog may love sticking their head out the window to enjoy the breeze, it could land you with a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to nine points on your license.
Dirty number plates
While many of us neglect the task of cleaning our cars, it’s still important to ensure your number plate is clean and visible at all times. If the police can’t clearly see your number plate, it could land you with a hefty fine of up to £1,000!
Swearing while driving
Many drivers experience road rage from time to time. However, did you know that swearing or making rude gestures to other drivers is classed as ‘disorderly conduct’ under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and not having proper control of the vehicle.
Excessively loud music
We all love listening to some tunes while on the road but playing music excessively loud could land you in hot water. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that distractions such as loud music could drown out other important sounds such as sirens.
And there we have our list of obscure driving laws which you may not have been aware of. For further details on the rules of the road, refer to The Highway Code to ensure you stay safe on the road.
