A warning has been issued to drivers as they could be fined £1,000 for using a common 'thank you' gesture. Many drivers pride themselves on being a polite and considerate road user but this one gesture could backfire.
Simply taking your hands off of the steering wheel even for a quick 'thank you' wave to a fellow driver is a fineable offence. Even so, some 60 percent of drivers admit to doing this gesture, which could also see them hit with three penalty points.
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Comparethemarket motoring expert Julie Daniels has cautioned drivers against using the common 'thank you' gesture.
Speaking to Devon Live, she spoke about some 'unofficial rules' of the road which could land you with a hefty bill.
Julie said: "Our research shows waving to say thank you is the most common driving courtesy, as over 60% of drivers admit to doing so. However, they may not realise that they are risking a £1,000 fine and three penalty points by doing so.
"The Highway Code 2 states you should drive with both hands on the wheel wherever possible, to ensure drivers are always in full control of the vehicle.
"If you are looking to thank other drivers for any reason, do so in a safe - and legal - manner, such as getting your passenger to wave on your behalf."
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Julie also warned against alerting other road users about upcoming speed lights as it could end up costing you another £1,000.
She said: "It may feel like nothing more than decent etiquette, but alerting other drivers of upcoming speed traps, such as mobile speed camera vans, puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £1,000.
"The Highway Code 1 clearly states drivers should only flash their headlights to let other road users know that you’re there.
"Alerting other drivers of mobile speed camera vans is interfering with police duties, which is an offence under section 89 of the Police Act - so you not only risk a fine, but also the safety of other road users."
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