When it comes to driving, we all know we shouldn't speed, we need to wear seat belts and stop at red lights.
But what about the finer details of the Highway Code?
There are a number of motoring rules that many people may not know about and may therefore be committing driving offences unknowingly.
According to GoCompare, we are falling short of fully understanding the rules of the road.
The company surveyed 2,000 UK adults to find out how much they knew about current driving laws and how guilty we are as a nation of committing offences at the wheel. Their full results are here .
However, the following is what they found out about drivers in the North East.
1. Beeping the horn while stationary in traffic
GoCompare says 84% of the participants surveyed in the North East believed that beeping while stationary in traffic was perfectly legal. However, doing this (not in a time of danger) could earn you a fine of up to £1,000.
2. Playing excessively loud music
Around 82% of people thought that playing excessively loud music in their car couldn't result in a fine. In reality, it could cost you up to £100.
3. Flashing your lights to warn other drivers of a speed trap
Apparently, 70% of us thought this was not an offence. Well it is. Not only is it against the Highway Code to use your headlights inappropriately, but this act is also punishable by an "obstruction of police duty" fine of up to £1,000.
4. Eating while driving
63% of North East people thought this was ok. While not directly illegal, this can result in a fine of £100 for driving without due care and attention.
5. Changing a CD while driving
Yes, this too could be an offence, though 72% of people surveyed were not aware of it. Again this act is not illegal in its own right but can distract a motorist and result in careless driving.
6. Driving with snow on your vehicle's roof
We shouldn't be doing this as it can result in careless driving fines. However, 65% of us thought it was ok to do.
7. Driving through puddles and splashing pedestrians
Very annoying for the person who gets soaked. But can also be an offence, which 66% of drivers didn't know.
It is inconsiderate and unnecessary and can be deemed as "driving without due care or consideration".
8. Swearing or making rude gestures to other road users
Around 70% of participants believed that making rude gestures to other road users was perfectly legal. It isn't ofcourse. This offence can fall into the "disorderly behaviour" category.
9. Driving with a dog in the passenger seat
Yep, this could be an offence if the pet is not suitably restrained or is distracting the driver. Though 65% of us didn't think it was.
10. Driving over a painted mini-roundabout
Lots of people do this, especially if they feel the roundabout is too small and just decide to go over it. Around 69% of drivers in the North East didn't think it was an offence.
