6 Driving Offences You Might Not Know Are Illegal
From driving without insurance to using your phone at the wheel, there are countless driving offences that are well known for being illegal. However, some motorists may be guilty of committing other driving offences without realising it. Here are 6 driving offences you might not know are illegal:
Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing
If you’re approaching a pedestrian crossing on a multi-lane road and a car is already stationary, it’s illegal to overtake it when the lights change to green. This law was introduced to protect pedestrians who might not be visible due to the stationary car blocking your view.
Flashing your lights for anything other than warning drivers of your presence
Some motorists commonly flash their lights to give way or to warn drivers of dangers on the road. However, the Highway Code states that drivers should only flash their lights if they need to alert other drivers of their presence and “Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users”. It has been reported that the Highways Agency claim that a breach could land people up in court but we doubt that to be the case. If however you flash your lights to warn other drivers of a speed camera you may face prosecution for police obstruction.
Using your phone as a sat nav without fixing it to the windscreen or dashboard
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile as a sat nav when driving. To avoid breaking the law, your phone must be fixed to the windscreen or dashboard so that it’s in clear sight without having to be held.
Parking on the wrong side of the road at night
When parking at night, drivers must not park their cars facing against the direction of traffic. This law was introduced to prevent other drivers becoming dazzled by the parked car’s headlights. This rule also ensures that rear light reflectors are visible to oncoming cars.
Parking within 10 metres of a junction
Parking within 10 metres of a junction is considered against the law because other drivers may crash into the parked car while turning around a junction
Driving at more than 50mph in a van on a single carriageway road
Vans that are not car-derived must not exceed the following speeds:
- 50mph on single carriageways
- 60mph on dual carriageways
- 70mph on motorways
To speak to one of our experienced driving offence solicitors, please get in touch. We’re available around the clock so you can rest assured we’ll be on hand when you need us.
