Highway Code: all the fines of up to £2,500 drivers risk for breaking rules
THE HIGHWAY Code is having a revamp and new rules and clarifications will come into effect TODAY.
But what happens if you break the Highway Code? Drivers can face hefty penalties and even lose their licence.
We explain all the fines drivers face and explain the rules.
The Highway Code penalties
Any rule using “MUST” or “MUST NOT” is supported by the law and can see drivers fined, have penalty points added to their licence or can even be banned from driving.
In some extreme cases, you can end up in prison.
The Highway Code has listed out the maximum penalties drivers can obtain for offences on the road.
Driving without insurance
Every car on the UK’s roads need to be insured.
Not having it can see an unlimited fine and possibly banned from driving.
You can obtain between six to eight points on your licence meaning those that have passed their driving test in the past two years of the offence would lose their licence.
🔵 Read our Highway Code rule changes blog for the latest updates
Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition
Driving a car in a dangerous condition can be something as small as not having working wiper blades or a bald tyre.
Drivers of cars can get a £2,500 fine but those who are driving LGVs or HGVs, the fine can be unlimited.
You could possibly be banned from driving for multiple offences in a three year period.
Expect three penalty points on your licence for each offence.
Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead
Not having a proper view of the road ahead could mean you have something obstructing your windscreen such as a sat-nav.
When using navigational systems in your car, make sure they aren’t going to harm your view.
This could gain you an £1,000 fine, £2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle, and a ban from driving.
Three points can be given on your licence.
Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving
Being caught with your phone at the wheel can will give you a £200 fine and six points on your licence.
Your punishment may increase to a £1,000 fine, £2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle, and a ban if summoned to court.
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
This offence can give drivers a £1,000 fine and a driving ban plus between three to six points on your licence.
Speeding
Its a common myth that you cannot get fined if you stay within the speed camera tolerance of 10% plus 2mph.
Going just one mile over the speed limit can still see you land with a fine.
Fines can be up to £1,000 fine and jump to £2,500 for motorway offences
Speeding can also get drivers banned from driving and between three to six points on their licence.
Traffic light offences
Failing to comply with traffic lights, such as not stopping for a red light, is a driving offence.
It is punishable by fines of up to £1,000 fine, three points on your licence and a possible driving ban.
No MOT certificate
Drivers can be fined £1,000 for not having an MOT on their car.
MOTs are there to makes sure you’re car is safe for the UKs roads and you will not be able to prove this without an MOT.
Seat belt offences
Drivers and passengers can get fined £500 for failing to wear a seatbelt.
Drivers can also get fined £500 if they are travelling with a child under 14 and they aren’t wearing a seat belt or in the correct car seat.
Dangerous cycling
Dangerous cycling comes with a £2,500 fine.
This can include cycling after drinking and under the influence of drugs.
Careless cycling
Careless cycling carries a fine of £1,000.
This can be due to cyclists not paying attention to the roads and their surroundings.
Cycling on pavement
Cyclists must not cycle on pavements.
The main concern is cyclists hitting pedestrians.
You can be fined £500 for this offence.
Failing to identify driver of vehicle
Failing to provide details of a driver of a vehicle at anytime can see a £1,000 fine.
In some cases, a driving ban maybe given.
Causing death by dangerous driving
Being at fault for a death caused by dangerous driving is punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and obligatory disqualification from driving.
The same applies to being under the influence of drink or drugs.
Dangerous driving
Driving dangerously on the roads can see you put in prison for up to two years.
Other punishments can included an unlimited fine and being banned from driving.
Drivers can also get three to 11 points on their licence, if exceptionally not disqualified.
Careless driving
Careless driving won’t see you in prison but it’s still a serious offence.
If caught, you can be handed an unlimited fine and run the risk of being disqualified from driving.
Penalty points can be added to your licence, ranging from three to nine.
Driving while unfit through drink or drugs
Six months imprisonment will come your way if you use drugs or drink while driving.
An unlimited fine and a ban from driving are other punishments.
If you don’t get a driving ban, you could be given between a three to 11-point penalty.
Failing to report or stop after an accident
Driving away from the scene of the crime can land you in prison for six months.
An unlimited fine and discretionary ban from driving can also be give.
If you’re allowed to stay on the roads, five to 10 points can be added to your licence.
Driving while disqualified
If you’ve been disqualified from driving, don’t be getting behind the wheel.
Already punished for another offence, driving while disqualified will see you risk prison for six months, 12 months in Scotland.
You could also get a further disqualification from driving.
Expect six points to be added to your licence.
Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds
Refusing to stop driving after being told on medical grounds isn’t a wise thing to do.
It can see you gain up to six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
You could also be banned from driving for even longer
The offence is punishable with between three to six penalty points on your licence.
Elsewhere, are you up to date with the new Highway Code rules coming into effect in 2022?
Plus, drives will now be fined for using their phone at the wheel in any circumstance.
And cyclists will be able to ride in the centre of the lane, at certain times, in the Highway Code revamp.