Little known driving rules

When was the last time you dusted off your copy of the Highway Code? Packed full of rules and advice to help keep road users safe, it’s essential reading for learner drivers as well as more experienced motorists. Take a look at some of the lesser-known regulations. How many are you guilty of?   

Reserving a parking space

You may be surprised to discover that putting out cones, bins or other obstacles to hold on to a parking spot could land you a fine.

Parking at night

You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. Your vehicle must display parking/sidelights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30mph. So, check when you leave your car overnight or you could wake up to a fine.

Parking and junctions

Careless parking could hit you in the pocket. Did you know the Highway Code cautions against parking opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space? You could also find yourself facing a fine for parking close to a dropped curb that has been lowered to help wheelchair users and mobility vehicles.

Lane hogging

One of the biggest pet peeves for motorists is middle lane hoggers, those drivers who stick to the middle lane on the motorway forcing traffic to take a big detour to overtake or encourage them to undertake inappropriately. If you are one of those drivers, then you are breaking the law and it could also cost you a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Drunk in charge

People often end up having too much to drink when they originally had the intention of having none or one and then driving home. When this happens, some may opt for sleeping in their car until they think they are safe to drive. However, in doing this, you could find yourself prosecuted and potentially at risk of disqualification from driving.

Pets on board

If you have a four-legged friend and a car, it's inevitable that you'll have to take them out somewhere, whether it be for a walk, a day out, or simply a trip to the shops. However, even if it's just for a quick trip, there's a chance that you're both breaking the law and not keeping your pup safe. Rule 57 of The Highway Code cautions us to 'make sure our pets are suitably restrained to avoid distraction or possible injury to them or us should we have to stop suddenly. A seatbelt harness, cage or pet holder will avoid our beloved pet becoming just an insecure load in the eyes of the law

Chief Examiner at IAM RoadSmart, Richard Gladman says:

"The idea of being fined for something that seems trivial may not sit comfortably with any of us, but when we think about why the rules are there, we realise, they are just an extension of our Advanced Driving mantra of sharing the road space safely. Parking obstructing a dropped curb can cause major problems for wheelchair users and prams, obstructing the view at a junction can be dangerous for us all, and even the suggestion that a drunk occupant of a vehicle may inadvertently start up and move off during the night is obviously not desirable. Knowledge is power in these situations, so refresh your knowledge and apply common sense to help keep us all safe."