5 Little Known Driving Offences that could Land you in Trouble

Driving in the United Kingdom requires more than just following the Highway Code and having a good sense of direction. While most drivers know to avoid major offences like speeding or driving under the influence, there are some lesser-known driving laws that could catch even the most careful driver off guard. These regulations may seem insignificant, but they can lead to fines and penalty points on your licence.

By learning about these lesser-known driving laws, you can make sure that your driving is not only safe but also legal. This knowledge will help you avoid penalties and contribute to a more harmonious and responsible driving environment for everyone.

1. Having Dirty or Obscured Number Plates 

One of the most important driving regulations in the UK is about the condition of your vehicle's number plates. It is mandatory for number plates to be clean and readable at all times. This rule may seem insignificant, but it has far-reaching implications for legal compliance and road safety.

Clean and legible number plates are crucial for speed cameras, traffic enforcement officers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to accurately identify vehicles. Whether it's for monitoring traffic violations or for more serious matters like tracking stolen vehicles, obscured number plates can hinder law enforcement efforts and compromise road safety.

Driving with a dirty number plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. It's a seemingly small issue that can lead to a significant penalty. Maintaining clean number plates is relatively simple but requires regular attention, particularly during the winter months or when driving on muddy roads.

Keeping your number plates clean may seem like a minor aspect of car maintenance, its importance cannot be overstated. Not only does it keep you on the right side of the law, but it also plays a crucial role in road safety and efficient law enforcement.

2. Using your phone as a Sat Nav in an unfixed position

Many people use their phones as GPS devices while they drive. However, it is illegal and unsafe to use a mobile phone as a Sat Nav in an unfixed position while driving in the UK. This offence is covered under the laws that prohibit the use of handheld mobile devices while driving.

Holding or balancing your phone while navigating can distract you from driving and lead to slower reaction times or missed traffic signs, increasing the risk of accidents. An unfixed phone can also slip or fall, causing drivers to take their eyes off the road to adjust it, further adding to the distraction.

If caught using a handheld device while driving, you could face a fine of up to £200 and six penalty points on your licence. For new drivers who have passed their driving test in the last two years, this could mean losing their licence. 

To comply with the law and ensure safe navigation, it is recommended to invest in a good-quality phone holder that can be securely attached to your dashboard or windscreen. This allows you to use your phone as a Sat Nav without physically holding it.

While smartphones can be useful tools for navigation, it is important to use them responsibly and within the legal framework. By setting up your mobile device in a fixed position and keeping your car interior well-maintained, you can ensure safer journeys and adhere to UK driving laws.

3. The Risks of Careless Driving with Children in the Car 

When driving with children, it's essential to pay extra attention to ensure their safety while keeping your focus on the road. Kids can be unpredictable and may cause drivers to become distracted, resulting in careless driving offences. Careless driving can be a momentary negligent error of judgement or a single negligent manoeuvre. It's easy to see how this could happen with children on board!

The penalties for careless driving charges differ depending on the circumstances of the offence. As with all driving offences, the punishments increase based on the severity of the offence. Careless driving charges are usually penalised with a fixed penalty notice, but a more serious offence could result in disqualification, a fine of up to £2,500, or three to nine penalty points. However, the impact of having children in the car extends beyond the potential legal issues and fines. Even in their most well-behaved moments, children can create a mess. Spills, crumbs, and sticky fingers are just part of the journey with youngsters in the back.

Although we can't offer advice on how to keep your sanity in the car with restless kids, we do have a solution for protecting your vehicle from them! Our tailored car mats are strong, durable, and easy to clean. Designed to fit the unique contours of your car, they provide maximum protection against wear and tear, ensuring your vehicle remains in pristine condition, no matter what little surprises your young passengers may have in store.

Whether you prefer the rugged durability of rubber mats for easy clean-ups or the classic elegance of carpet mats for comfort and style, we have you covered. We offer customisation options from materials, colours, trims, and even football team car mats and rugby team car mats, so you can show your loyalty to your favourite team while on the road.

Investing in bespoke car mats from Official Car Mats is a smart move to safeguard the interior of your vehicle and enhance your driving experience. By doing so, you not only protect your car from potential damage but also contribute to a safer and more focused driving environment for you and your valuable passengers.

4. Splashing Pedestrians 

It may seem like a harmless prank to splash a pedestrian walking along the pavement next to a puddle, but it is important to know that this action can be considered as driving without due care and attention. It is not only discourteous but can have severe consequences for both the pedestrian and the driver.

When a driver splashes a pedestrian, it poses safety concerns. In wet conditions, pedestrians can find themselves unexpectedly drenched, which can be more than just an annoyance, it can pose health risks, especially in cold conditions. This action can also create a distraction and potentially lead to accidents, particularly in busy areas. 

Splashing pedestrians can also harm a driver's image, portraying them as inconsiderate and reckless. If a driver is found guilty of splashing a pedestrian, they can face a fine of up to £5,000 and penalty points under the driving without reasonable consideration for other persons act as stated in the Road Traffic Act 1988. 

Driving responsibly entails more than just following speed limits or road signs, it also includes consideration for others sharing the road. Therefore, it is essential to refrain from splashing pedestrians and drive with due care and attention.

5. Incorrect use of the Horn 

The use of a car horn is regulated by the Highway Code. It's important to note that the horn is not intended for expressing frustration or hurrying other drivers. Using it inappropriately can be considered a minor driving offence, categorised as unnecessary noise. This can result in a fixed penalty notice of £30, which can be increased up to £1,000 if challenged in court and the challenge is lost.

The primary function of a car horn is to alert other road users to your presence in situations where they cannot see you. It's a tool for safety, not communication. Misusing the horn can escalate road situations, causing stress and potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions. It's not only legally discouraged but also frowned upon as poor driving etiquette to use the horn while stationary or in response to minor inconveniences.

Responsible use of the horn involves using it only when necessary to ensure safety. For example, when approaching a blind curve on a narrow road, a quick horn use can alert others to your presence. It's about enhancing safety without causing disturbance or stress to other road users.

Driving Safe Mat-ters

Safe and responsible driving requires more than just following the basic rules of the road. Driving offences, such as having dirty licence plates or splashing pedestrians, remind us of the complexities and nuances of driving laws. Every decision you make while driving, including how you use your horn or whether you eat or drink in the car, can have consequences that impact your safety and legal standing.

It is important to be aware of these lesser-known driving offences in order to navigate the roads safely and ensure that your driving habits align with the law. By cultivating a deeper sense of responsibility, you not only prioritise your own safety but also the safety and well-being of others on the road.

By understanding and respecting these laws, you contribute to a safer and more considerate driving environment for everyone. Safe driving is a continuous learning process, and being aware of these little-known offences is an essential step in that journey.