Motorists who vape have been hit with a warning over the consequences of using an e-cigarette while behind the wheel.
Drivers are at risk of unlimited fines, discretionary disqualification, and up to nine penalty points for abusing the Highway Code Rule 148 which states that drivers must limit distractions while behind the wheel in order to drive safely, listing smoking as an example of what to avoid.
Experts are now warning drivers who could fall foul of the rules after new figures show the number of adults in the UK who vape rose to 8.3% in 2022.
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Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare The Market told the ECHO: "It's crucial for drivers to understand the risks involved with this. Smoking and vaping while driving can distract you and make you drive carelessly, which could lead to accidents.
"You're not just putting yourself in danger, but also the other people on the road. There are ways for drivers who smoke or vape to stay safe, such as pulling over to the side of the road where possible if they need to smoke, or scheduling stops during long journeys.
"This means they can then focus their attention fully on the road, minimising risks and avoiding fines.”
Cases in which smoking or vaping distracts the driver or leads to an accident may be considered careless or inconsiderate driving, which can result in an unlimited fine, discretionary disqualification, and three to nine licence penalty points.
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