Eight driving offences that could cost you up to £5,000 – be careful in rain

EXPERTS say eight little-known driving offences could cost you up to £5,000 if you're not careful in the rain.

The AA polled 12,000 drivers - almost all of whom admitted to breaking the rules.

First, splashing a pedestrian could land you a £100 fine - rising to £5,000 if you did it aggressively.

Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, soaking someone shows a lack of "reasonable consideration for other persons" - and is illegal.

You could also be slapped with a £30 fine if you beep your horn while stationary when no danger is present.

If you don't pay the spot fine, it will rise to a whopping £1,000 - as car horns should only be used to alert other drivers while in motion.

Many drivers don't know that it is also an offence to beep your horn between 11.30pm and 7am in a built-up area - except in genuine emergencies.

The rule applies to any street with lampposts or a 30mph speed limit.

Fourth, any pets you are taking along as passengers should be "suitably restrained".

Driving with an unrestrained animal is punishable by a £100 spot fine, rising to £5,000 for non-payment.

Motorists should also make sure they only carry as many passengers as they have seatbelts - and that no one riding in the back obstructs their rear view.

Hitting the road with an "excess of passengers" risks a £500 fine, which can rise to £5,000 in court.

One in five drivers admits to flashing their headlights to warn other cars about speed traps - but this is also a driving offence punishable by a £1,000 fine.

You could also get a £5,000 fine and licence points if you fail to leave your contact details after hitting a parked motor - as this technically counts as a hit and run.

Finally, tossing litter out of your car could see you slapped with a £150 spot fine.