NEED FOR SPEED
Can I be fined for driving too slow? Motoring laws for cruising under the speed limit explained
Slow driving can be classed as 'careless driving' and those ignoring minimum speed limit signs can be fined
DRIVERS are taught that if they're caught exceeding the UK speed limits they will be penalised for the speeding offence accordingly.
Did you know there are also minimum speed limit signs on some roads? Here we explain the reasons behind these and what the consequences are for ignoring it.
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Is it illegal to drive too slowly?
There is no specific law against driving too slowly, but doing so could be regarded as not driving "with due care and attention."
Slow driving can be dangerous, especially on a motorway where the speed limit is far higher.
Driving slow on a motorway could cause other drivers to slow from high speeds with urgency, decreasing their braking time and increasing the risk of being rear-ended.
This is an offence that carries significant fines of up to £5,000, as well as between three and nine penalty points depending on the severity.
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Slow drivers could even be issued with an instant disqualification if the actions are serious enough to warrant such punishment.
It is unlikely that people driving slowly will be given the top penalty, as there’s no set fine limit.
This low-level 'careless driving' is more often dealt with at the road side, either with advice or a fixed-penalty notice of a £100 fine and three points.
What is the minimum speed limit?
The UK does not have a blanket minimum speed limit that applies to all roads.
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Specific roads have minimum speed limits, but these are very rare.
On the few roads that do have minimum speed limits, the lowest speed you are expected to travel at is shown as a white number on a blue circle.
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The end of the minimum speed limit is marked with the same sign but has a red line through it.
Those driving should pay attention to this sign to ensure safety.
These signs are often seen on the approaches to bridges and tunnels, in order to maintain a steady flow of traffic.
Is there a minimum speed limit on the motorway?
There is no minimum speed limit on the motorway, unless marked by the blue mandatory minimum signs.
Although, driving far below the speed limit on here may put you and other drivers at risk.
For example, if your are driving at 30mph, and everyone else is driving at 70mph, it is likely that you would be causing a dangerous obstruction.
Drivers who pose a hazard to other road users risk being pulled over, and either fined or prosecuted depending on the severity of the offence.
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What if I drive too slowly in the middle lane?
Lanes on the motorway are a source of confusion for many drivers.
There is no such thing as a “slow” or “fast” lane. Motorists should drive in the leftmost lane, or lane one, unless they are overtaking.
Rule 264 of the Highway Code states that you should travel in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear.
If you travel in lanes two and three when you are not overtaking, you could get fined £100 and receive three penalty points.
You could need to attend a driver awareness course.
It has been illegal to drive in the middle lane when not overtaking since 2013.
Can I report someone driving too slowly?
If you notice someone driving dangerously or carelessly, you may want to report the motorist to the police.
You can report dangerous or careless driving directly to your local police force.
To do this, you will normally need to upload video evidence, as well as providing the alleged offender’s number plate and details of independent witnesses.
You may also need to be willing to attend court to give evidence.
If someone’s driving is so dangerous that they pose an immediate threat to the safety of themselves or others, you should call 999.
For more information, check your local police force website.
Is it dangerous to drive too slowly?
Roughly 1,700 people die on British roads every year, with many of these tragedies attributed to excess speed.
But while less common, slow drivers have been the cause of a number of fatal accidents, as well as many more injuries.
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Driving more slowly than other drivers might expect could put you at greater risk of becoming involved in an accident.
Six bizarre ways drivers could be fined for breaking an unknown law
Here are six ways drivers can break the law unknowingly and incur a hefty penalty fine for doing so:
- Driving in Wellies
Highway Code 97 states drivers must ensure that 'clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.
If you’re involved in an accident or found not operating a vehicle safely by the police or your insurer, you could be at risk of a £5,000 fine, nine points on your license and even ending up in court.
- Overloading your car
It is an offence to exceed the vehicle's maximum loading weight.
Ignoring this could land you a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points. In more serious cases, such as an accident, this could invalidate your insurance.
- Dirty number plate
The Highway Code states that drivers must take special care to maintain their car and ensure it is working properly, stating "lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear".
Avoiding doing so could risk landing a £1,000 fine.
- Driving whilst tired
10-20% of all crashes estimated to be caused by driver fatigue.
Under the Highway Code, drivers must “get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey” and “not begin a journey if you are tired”.
Drivers found guilty of dangerous driving could be hit with an unlimited fine, a driving ban and a prison sentence.
- Taking driver payments
While letting your mates contribute to petrol money is fine, drivers who accept a fee could be breaking the law.
Running an unlicensed taxi can result in drivers facing a fine of up to £2,500, invalidated insurance and even points on their license.
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