5 Driving Laws your might have broken without realising
Posted on 21st June 2019
#1 - Sleeping in your car whilst over the limit
Whilst it may not be inherently illegal, you would have to prove that you had no intention of driving your car, which can be difficult to prove. Under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you could face a penalty of ten points on your driving licence (a minimum, so beware as you could be looking at more), and up to a 12 month driving ban, as well as prison time.
If you’re not over the limit, but you’re just tired, then rule 91 of the Highway Code recommends a 15 minute break for every two hours of driving, so just make sure you pull up somewhere safe, and where you are not causing any inconvenience to anyone else. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t pull over on the hard shoulder; this is for emergencies only, and parking up on the hard shoulder has been known to cause road traffic accidents.
#2 - Beeping your horn out of anger
It can be frustrating when you’re sat in traffic and someone pulls in front of you, cutting into what should have been, rightfully, your section of tarmac. But don’t let your anger get the better of you. Believe it or not, beeping your horn could land you with a fine of £30.00. This might not seem like a big deal, but imagine this scenario: instead of it being a fine, you have to pay £30.00 every time you want to use your horn – oh the horrors!
#3 - Being a middle-lane-hogger
We all see it, maybe we’ve all done it. But, we’re here to tell you that it is in fact illegal to hog the middle lane of the motorway. Why can’t I drive in the middle lane, I hear you ask. Well, for starters, you could get a £100.00 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence. On top of the inconveniences on your wallet, you will annoy EVERYBODY ELSE. It can be dangerous – you’re blocking the road for overtaking – and on top of that, our team of personal injury solicitors in Preston are going to say it one more time, IT’S ANNOYING!
#4 - Driving too slowly
Another completely annoying road trait, which our team of personal injury solicitors in Preston cannot stand, is driving too slowly. Now, we’re not condoning speeding, what-so-ever, but what we are saying is that you should not drive too slowly, as this too can be dangerous! It’s not just our team that thinks this. If you’re caught driving too slowly, you can be charged with careless driving, which can lead to anything from a verbal warning to 9 penalty points, depending on the circumstances. So, rather than risk the points, or the ribbing you will almost certainly receive from friends and family, just don’t do it!
#5 - Making a profit from giving a friend a lift
Chipping in to your friend’s petrol after a lift to Manchester or to see your Solicitors in Preston is fine, but taking too much money could be classed as acting as a taxi which, when unregulated, is illegal.
This could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.00 and 6 points on your licence. For an extra tenner, it’s really not worth it!
So, if you’ve been doing any of the above things and have been lucky enough to have never been caught out, stop doing them now, and don’t get fined in the future!
MG Legal – Your Local Solicitors
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