Highway Code rules which can land Brits with huge fines - from phones to lights
Brits could face hefty fines for everything from reckless cycling, using their mobile phones as a passenger, to not dipping their lights in poor weather conditions.
Under lesser known Highway Code rules and others introduced last year, drivers could see themselves land a number of penalties if they’re not careful.
Whilst most are more than aware that careless driving can land you in hot water, with a penalty and a fine, they might not be aware similar rules apply to those on a bicycle too.
The Highway Code warns that any “carless” cyclists could see themselves slapped with a fine of up to £1,000 depending on the transgression.
Such an offence could come about from a cyclist not paying attention to the roads or their surroundings.
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This could see them hit with as hard a penalty as a driver who is caught red-handed on their mobile phone.
Using your smartwatch when behind the wheel could land you a fine (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)If you are using your mobile whilst in the car, you might be mistaken for thinking you're fine to do so as long as you're not behind the wheel.
But if you use your phone whilst in the passenger seat, you could be liable for punishment as well.
Under rules introduced last year, if a person is supervising a learner driver and touches their mobile phone they could be hit with the massive £1,000 fine.
Using a mobile for any purpose is now seen as “reckless and dangerous” - even just touching the device.
Similarly, 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, when driving in such conditions Brits need to use dipped headlights or risk a fine themselves.
They could see their wallets hit with the £50 on-the-spot penalty as keeping their lights on full risks affecting others when out and about according to Rule 113 of the Highway Code.
Almost everyone knows that using your phone whilst driving is banned, but not all drivers would be aware that using a smartwatch when behind the wheel could see you similarly in trouble too.
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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.
“The law also applies to smartwatches even while traffic is stationary or you are stopped at a red light. You can even be fined for using a smartwatch while supervising a learner driver!”
One recent hefty change saw a significant overhaul in how the right of way works around junctions and not all Brits will be up to date.
Last year saw the old rules ripped up as pedestrians now have right of way at junctions.
This means drivers could end up being fined £100, or given three points on their licence, if they don’t give way to people trying to cross when turning at them.
One other final rule a lot drivers might be caught unaware by is actually often 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 what seems like a harmless and generous gesture could see you left £1,000 out of pocket.
This is because in warning them you’re obstructing a police officer carrying out their duty.
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