Drivers in Edinburgh are at risk of being fined thousands for some unusual offences, from vaping behind the wheel to having a dog in the car.
Experts at ATS Euromaster researched the five most bizarre, and potentially unheard of, driving fines that could cost you dearly. Speeding is indeed the most common offence, with the Home Office reporting 6,000 fines are given out every day.
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However, there are some more unusual things that can get you fined between £100 to £5,000 -such as vaping or driving through a puddle.
Read on below to find out more about these unusual driving offences.
Having a pet in the car
Pet owners are being warned that allowing your pet to lean out of the window could result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000.
The Highway Code states that pets must be safely restrained in a way that prevents them from distracting the driver or causing injury to themselves or the driver in the event of an emergency stop.
The government website provides a list of suitable restraining methods, such as seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, and dog guards.
The type of restraint depends on what is best for each pet, so owners should test a few versions to make sure their pet is happy and comfortable for long journeys.
Vaping
With 3.2 million people across the UK now vaping, the government recently announced a new law that prohibits vaping in the car, with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three points on the licence for those caught in violation.
Not only can reaching for a vape be classed as careless driving as the driver becomes distracted, the vapor that comes from a vape can also cause serious viewing obstructions and make it difficult to stay focused on the road, with the maximum fine totalling £5,000.
Driving through puddles
Although driving through a puddle may seem harmless, it can have serious consequences.
According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, if a driver splashes a pedestrian while driving through a puddle, they could face a fine of up to £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for other persons.
Always slow down when approaching a puddle and look out for pedestrians. If there is a person walking nearby, and if it is safe to do so, drive around the puddle.
Being polite and flashing drivers to warn them of police
Flashing headlights and hazard lights can both result in a fine of up to £1,000 if used inappropriately.
Rule 110 of the Highway Code states that headlights should only be flashed to let other road users know that you are there.
Rule 116 states that hazard warning lights should only be used on motorways or unrestricted dual carriageways to warn drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Next time you’re tempted to thank someone for letting you in a lane, or to warn someone that there is a speed camera ahead, think about using a hand gesture instead.
Having a dirty car
Failing to clear any dirt on your car, that obscures your front and rear number plate, could earn you a fine of up to £1000 if they are impossible to read by eye and APNR cameras.
According to the Highway Code, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates must be kept clean and clear”.
Drivers should make a habit of checking their number plates after long journeys, specifically if there has been a lot of rainfall, to make sure it is readable before the next trip.
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