ROAD WARNING
Drivers urged to follow little known rule on country roads or face a hefty £200 fine
Read on for more information on the Highway Code and if it is considered 'law'
DRIVERS have been warned of a hefty £200 if they fail to follow a little known rule on country roads.
Motorists were urged to bare a very important, but often overlooked, regulation in mind the next time they travel down a scenic route.
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Brits were advised to be cautious of horses and their riders as warmer weather starts to stick around.
Vehicle retailer, , reminded drivers they should give the animals plenty of room and slow down.
A spokesperson told : "Drivers should approach horses slowly and cautiously, giving them lots of room, per the Highway Code, this will help to keep the horse, the rider and drivers safe.
"Horses can be unpredictable, and sudden movements or noises can startle them, potentially leading to dangerous situations for the rider and the driver."
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The Highway Code states motorists should travel at a maximum of 10mph when overtaking a horse.
They should also allow two metres of space between the car and four-legged friend.
If vehicle owners rev their engines or try to accelerate too soon, it could spark a serious accident.
This can lead to a hefty £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.
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And, insurance companies will often refuse to pay for damages if the horse was startled by the driver.
Watch moment learner driver fails test for trying to follow the Highway Code
"Horses are vulnerable road users, and the Highway Code requires drivers to slow down to 10mph when passing horses, maintaining at least two metres of space," the spokesperson added.
"This is crucial to prevent accidents caused by spooked horses, which can react unpredictably to perceived threats.
"Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover the cost of a horse damaging a vehicle, provided it wasn’t the driver’s fault."
Is the Highway Code law?
The Highway Code includes "legal requirements" according to the Government.
It says: “many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence.
“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving.
“In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.”
the Highway Code is not a legal document in itself and the rules outlined in it are not classed as official road laws.
However, this does not rule out the chance of being fined for breaking one of the 307 regulations.
Many of the rules in the Code are supported by official traffic laws, meaning you can be fined, prosecuted or disqualified if you ignore them.
Any using wording like "MUST" or "MUST NOT" is supported by a law.
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