The Highway Code offers comprehensive advice for safe driving. Its breadth means that many of its rules are not frequently encountered during everyday journeys. While it is necessary to understand all the regulations, the number of changes means that it can be challenging to stay on top of them. This often leads to an assumption that certain common behaviours seen on the road are permissible. However, these actions may be prohibited and carry potential legal consequences.
Although many drivers believe that careful and responsible driving will keep them out of trouble, this mindset can result in unintentional breaches of the law. Police generally overlook minor infractions, but if you are stopped for another reason or are involved in an incident, these infractions can lead to harsher penalties or aggravate the case if it goes to court.
Below, Tyler Hoffman’s driving offence solicitors outline several seemingly minor actions that contravene the Highway Code. Understanding these can help drivers avoid unnecessary legal issues and promote safer road use.
Engine idling
Leaving your engine running while stationary, particularly in urban areas, is against the law. Local authorities have discretion in enforcement, but habitual idling can result in fines or other penalties. Anti-idling zones are increasingly common near schools and public spaces, where enforcement tends to be stricter. Additionally, using handheld devices while the engine is running, even if the car is stationary, is prohibited and can lead to further legal complications.
Driving slowly
While reducing speed can sometimes enhance safety, unnecessarily slow driving can be as hazardous as speeding. Driving well below the speed limit without reason can frustrate other road users and contribute to accidents. If authorities determine that slow driving amounts to careless driving, penalties such as fines and licence points may be issued, even if no accident occurs.
Flashing headlights
Flashing headlights is commonly used to signal right of way or warn others of speed cameras. However, the Highway Code states that headlights should only be flashed to alert others to your presence. Misusing headlights in this way could result in accusations of careless driving, especially if an accident occurs following the signal.
Improper horn use
While many are aware that using a horn is prohibited in built-up areas between 11:30pm and 7:00am, other restrictions also apply. The horn should only be used to alert others to your presence or to prevent a collision. Using it out of annoyance or as a greeting is unlawful and could result in fines, particularly if it confuses other road users.
Pavement parking
Parking on the pavement is often illegal, especially when it obstructs pedestrians, wheelchair users or pushchairs. Regional rules on parking vary; for instance, disabled badge holders may park on double yellow lines in some areas but not others. These regulations are more strictly enforced in cities and busy areas, where improper parking is likely to lead to fines or penalties.
Driving through puddles
Splashing pedestrians while driving through puddles without due care can be an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Whether intentional or accidental, such actions may be considered driving without reasonable consideration for other road users, which can result in fines and licence points.
What to do if you are charged
Many drivers unknowingly commit these offences, as they are often treated as secondary factors rather than standalone charges. Despite their perceived minor nature, these behaviours are illegal because they increase accident risks and create hazards for others.
It is essential to follow all driving laws to avoid legal consequences. Accumulating points on your licence can lead to a driving ban, even for relatively minor offences. If you face charges or a conviction, seeking advice from a solicitor may provide options to mitigate penalties and help you retain your licence.
By Akef Akbar, Managing Partner, Tyler Hoffman Solicitors
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