Road users who aren't clued up on the Highway Code may be unknowingly making mistakes that could land them with fines. Small and sometimes surprising road actions could breach the code, and recent findings suggest that many people aren't fully aware of the rules.
Nine sections were updated last year with 50 rules added or amended. However, the AA found in a survey published last September that 61 percent of motorists were not aware of the updates.
With that in mind, the Mirror has shared some simple slip-ups that could see road users breaching the code and slapped with fines. From reckless cycling to using a mobile phone as a passenger, here are lesser known rules that people should always keep in mind.
While recent updates protect more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, the Highway Code warns that any "careless" cycling could see riders slapped with a fine of up to £1,000. Such an offence could come about from a cyclist not paying attention to the roads or their surroundings.
Riding on the pavement is also discouraged in the Highway Code and can come with a £500 fine. However it goes both ways, and a driver putting a cyclist at risk could also face a hefty fine.
Another lesser known rule people might not be aware of is to do with driving in poor weather conditions. When it’s raining hard, or gloomy out, some drivers might be tempted to flick on their full beams for hope of better visibility.
However, motorists should stick to dipped headlights or risk a fine. Distracting other road users comes with the risk of a £30 fine.
It is known that using a phone behind a wheel is illegal, but if you use your phone whilst in the passenger seat, you could also be liable for punishment. Under rules introduced last year, if a person is supervising a learner driver and touches their mobile phone they could be fined £1,000.
Additionally, using a smartwatch when behind the wheel could lead to trouble. It's not just phones - any device that takes your eyes off the road is a breach of the code.
Christian Williams from leading car competitions BOTB warned: "Mobile phones have been banned while driving for almost 20 years, but you may not be aware that any device is illegal to operate while driving a vehicle. Specifically, the Highway Code states that the ban applies to holding or using any device that can send and receive data."
Drivers might be caught out by an attempted act of kindness. After passing a speed camera, Brits might be tempted to flash their fellow road users to warn them of what’s just ahead or around the corner. But this is a pretty serious offence under the Highway Code, and could see you left with an £1,000 fine.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
