6 obscure rules of the road
Most drivers are clued up on the Highway Code and motoring laws but there are some more obscure laws that may have escaped your attention.
We’ve compiled a list of six laws that you should ignore at your peril.
1. Allowing someone to drive without insurance
Every vehicle used on a public highway must be insured. You could be guilty of an offence if you lend your car to someone and they don’t have cover.
2. Letting your dog free
You could be fined up to £5,000 – plus up to nine penalty points on your licence – for letting a pet free in your vehicle, if you’re spotted driving without due care and attention. Your insurance company may also refuse to cough up if it’s proved that Rover or Mitzi was a factor in an accident.
3. Flashing headlights to warn of a speed trap
Altering oncoming drivers could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 – or even a month in jail – for ‘obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty’.
4. Using your phone to pay in a drive-thru
This could land you with a £1,000 fine and six points as well as a burger and fries to go. Using your phone for any purpose is forbidden, unless you have your handbrake on and the engine off.
5. Splashing a pedestrian
The law states that splashing a pedestrian could lead to prosecution under the Road Traffic Act for careless, aggressive and inconsiderate driving.
6. Dirty number plates
If you’ve driven through somewhere muddy and haven’t wiped your number plate clean, it could lead to a £1,000 fine under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act.