UK drivers have been urged to familiarise themselves with some of the lesser-known rules of the road in order to prevent hefty fines and points on their licence.
The experts at LeaseCar.uk have looked into common polite gestures and situations on the UK’s roads which actually break motoring laws and could land perpetrators in trouble, such as driving slowly to be considerate or asking for change for the parking meter.
Drivers should also make sure they don’t flash headlights to say thank you, or park on the pavement in London to ensure they avoid fines that could creep into the thousands.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “We all know that driving without a seatbelt, breaking the speed limit or using your mobile phone whilst driving will land UK drivers in trouble. These are obvious no-nos while driving.
“But there are some lesser-known rules that many Brits break even if they think they are being polite, such as incorrectly using the horn, carrying a crying baby in the car, and driving slowly.
“One of the more peculiar rules we researched is that it’s technically illegal to ask or ‘beg’ for change if you’ve parked up before realising you don’t have enough for the parking meter.
“You may consider yourself a goody-two-shoes when it comes to driving on the road, but the below rules will ensure you avoid any fines or points on your license.”
Here are LeaseCar.uk’s polite but illegal road rules to keep an eye out for.
- Flashing your lights to give way
Many drivers will flash their lights to other motorists to let them go through, but we are not legally allowed to use our lights to do this.
The rules stipulate that headlight flashes should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence. If you are caught flashing your headlights for any other reason, such as using them to warn others of a speed trap, you may think you’re being polite and helpful but you could be charged £30 up to £1,000 for obstructing an officer’s duty.
- Carrying a baby
If there is a major tantrum and the child needs consoling by a passenger, you might want to think again before allowing a passenger to cradle a baby in their arms while driving. This can actually attract a fine of £100.
- Letting pets out the car on the hard shoulder
If you break down on the hard shoulder, drivers should not let pets out of the car. This is a rule that is stated in the Highway Code. It is only in an emergency you should let them out. Failing to follow this rule can land drivers with a driving-offence charge.
- Driving slowly
There may be circumstances when driving slowly and below the speed limit can be considerate to other motorists, such as learner drivers. But please be aware that if you’re a long way below the limit you could be punished with anything from a verbal warning to nine points on your licence.
- Ask for change for the parking meter
This is a very specific and peculiar rule, but technically speaking you shouldn’t ask strangers for change when you’ve parked and realised you don’t have enough for the parking meter. So, to avoid being charged under the Vagrancy Act 1824, we’d recommend keeping some coins and change in your car.
- Don’t park on the pavement in London
Sometimes there may be a reason to mount the pavement to allow extra space for passing cars, but it’s quite simple in Londo – don’t park on the pavement or face a £70 fine.
- Don’t honk inappropriately
Honking to let someone know the lights have gone green isn’t permitted on UK roads. Horns should only be used if someone’s driving is really dangerous, and any prolonged sounding of the horn is also frowned upon as it is seen as hostile.
You should not use the horn between 11.30pm and 7am in a built-up area, and you should only ever honk your horn to alert others to your presence. And there is no reason to horn in stationary traffic, and if caught you could be fined between £30 and £1,000.
- Getting out of the car on a single yellow line
It is not unusual for motorists to pick someone up or help carry the passenger’s items to the boot. Single yellows are fine for dropping people off or picking people up, but the driver should not get out of the vehicle at any time.
- Leaving a child alone in the car
If a parent is filling the car up at the petrol station and with a child fast asleep in the back, depending on the age, you shouldn’t leave them alone whilst going in to pay.
It is illegal to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. So parents are urged to use their judgement on how mature the child is before they decide to leave them alone – whether that be in a car or at home.