Drivers have been warned they could be issued with a fine of up to £1,000 and points on their licence for being aggressive behind the wheel.
While it can be easy to get frustrated with other road users when driving, swearing or making rude gestures at them is actually a crime. Research has revealed that over 70 per cent of motorists across the UK break a law that forbids aggression when driving.
As reported by WalesOnline, vehicle experts at ChooseMyCar.com discovered that nearly three quarters of drivers admitted to swearing or blasting their horn at other motorists.
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The rule is one of a number of little-known driving laws that many people may not be aware of. In response, ChooseMyCar.com compiled a list of 10 of the strangest rules to help drivers avoid a fine and points on their licence.
Founder of ChooseMyCar.com Nick Zapolski commented: “Our research has already shown that nearly three quarters of British drivers have honked their horn or sworn at other drivers in frustration. But even the most angelic drivers are at risk with some of these obscure facts, like correct sunglass use. I’d urge all drivers to check out our list to make sure they don’t end up £5,000 poorer this summer.”
Here is a roundup of 10 of the strangest driving rules you may not know about.
1. Being aggressive behind the wheel
While many drivers are guilty of losing their cool at another road user, behaving in an aggressive manner could see you fined £1,000. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 forbids aggression behind the wheel.
2. Using your Aircon “incorrectly”
With summer coming to an end, it is important to remember that you must keep your vehicle “well ventilated” at all times according to Highway Code 237. Failing to do so could see you fined up to £5,000.
3. Wearing incorrect sunglasses
Wearing incorrect glasses could land you with a fine of up to £5,000, as well as nine licence points. Code 237 dictates that you should slow down or stop if your vision is affected by the sun, while Rule 97 states that your clothing must not impact your ability to drive.
As a result, wearing sunglasses that are too dark or otherwise affect your ability to see could result in you being handed a fine,
4. Leaving animals in cars on hard shoulder
While many drivers are aware that if they have a breakdown whilst on a motorway, then they and any passengers must leave the vehicle immediately and stay somewhere safe until help arrives, they may not know that they cannot take pets with them.
According to Rule 56 of the Highway Code, animals must not be on the hard shoulder. If they are, you could be fined up to £2,500.
5. Wearing flip-flops and hiking boots can see you walking into court
Flip-flops, walking boots, and high heels are all deemed unacceptable for driving. As stated by Rule 97, motorists must wear shoes and clothes that do not impact their ability to drive.
6. Taking some prescription drugs before driving can be illegal
Some prescription drugs could see you handed a driving ban under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states that it is illegal to be behind the wheel under the influence of specific drugs. One drug included is Codeine.
7. Drinking in a camper van/motorhome
While one of the major advantages of owning a motorhome is the ability to live in your vehicle, the Road Traffic Act 1988 says you should not be in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This technically means you could find yourself in trouble even if you have no intention of driving.
8. Drenching a pedestrian
While you may have the urge to splash a pedestrian when driving on a wet day, doing so could actually see you fined £100. This is because section 3 of the Road Traffic Act classifies it as “driving without reasonable consideration for other people”.
9. Driving too slow
While over 90 percent of UK drivers have admitted to speeding according to ChooseMyCar.com, the opposite is illegal too. Being too slow on UK roads could see you handed a £100 fine and even three licence points.
Further, if the matter is taken to court, you could be fined up to £5,000 and handed nine licence points.
10. Parking your car after dark
According to a little-known law, it is illegal to park your vehicle at the side of a road facing against traffic at night under Highway Code 248. Doing so could see you fined up to £2,500.
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