Five surprising ways you can get points on your licence – and face fines of up to £5,000
NO matter how much experience you have on the roads, it may be impossible to remember every rule to avoid any reprocussions.
But there are several surprising ways motorists can face points on your licence and fines of up to £5,000.
Brits unaware of lesser-known driving laws could be penalised for their seemingly innocent driving conduct.
Car insurance price comparison website have revealed five of the most unusual traffic offences that could catch you out.
The firm's founder Greg Wilson explained: "Most of us are aware that we will receive a fine and points on our licence for speeding or talking on a mobile phone.
"But there are many rules and regulations of the road that we may not have been directly taught, that are very important to know in order to avoid prosecution.
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"Motorists often assume that they only risk points on their licence by driving too fast, running a red light or causing an accident, but being a safe driver and keeping your licence clean isn’t as simple as that.
"Being wary of the less obvious rules, regulations and laws can keep drivers out of trouble with the law and help keep their insurance premiums down at a time when we all need to keep costs to a minimum."
Even the most careful drivers could be breaking the rules without knowing - potentially landing them points and a hefty fine.
We took a look at five of the most unorthodox ways you could get in trouble with the law while behind the wheel.
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Splashing pedestrians
Splashing pedestrians can be an offence of careless and inconsiderate driving whether done with malicious intent or not.
You could be penalised if your driving "amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness".
Rule breakers are typically slapped with a £100 fine and three points on their licence, but fines can rise as high as £5,000.
Taking care to avoid puddles near bus shelters and pedestrianised areas is the best way to avoid picking up avoidable points.
Flashing headlights at other cars
Although you may think your doing someone a favour by flashing your headlights at them, it could land you in hot water.
The Highway Code states that you should only use your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.
If you flash in an attempt to communicate your annoyance with other road users it could be interpreted as "furious" driving.
This offence carries the potential of fines and penalty points.
Attempting to warn other drivers of a speed camera or a police speed trap carries a maximum penalty of £1,000, for wilfully obstructing a police officer.
Driving too slowly
Believe it or not, driving too slowly is seen as just as bad as speeding in the eyes of the law.
Although there is no minimum speed limit on motorways for example, it can cause chaos for other drivers stuck behind you.
If you’re caught driving dangerously slowly, you can be pulled over by the police.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a common penalty is a £100 fine and three points for not showing reasonable consideration to other drivers.
Driving with an unsecured pet
As pets are considered part of the family, they need to be treated as such when travelling in a moving vehicle.
Most motorists aren’t aware that it is dangerous and illegal to have your pet dog in the car unsecured while driving.
Your pup may look cute with its head hanging out the window, but it's illegal to drive with an animal roaming in the car.
Although this offence usually attracts a fine and three points, this could increase to nine points for more serious offences.
There are a number of safe options owners can use for their pets including a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
Swearing
Letting your road rage get the better of you could spell big trouble for swearing motorists - especially when it is excessive.
Not only can this be classified as a breach of peace, but it could also leave you with up to a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence.
Experts advise keeping your cool when out driving and your temper under control to keep your licence clean.
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We previously told how Brits could be fined £1,000 for not driving their car to save cash during the cost of living crisis.
While many are choosing to hang up their car keys as fuel costs rise, they're being warned there are steps they must take to avoid a fine.
