I’m a driving instructor – here are three things you didn’t know are illegal on the roads

A DRIVING instructor has revealed three key things many motorists don't realise are illegal - and they might surprise you.

Plenty of drivers are clueless when it comes to road laws.

Don't fret, though - a driving instructor has come to the rescue, with a run down of three things that are illegal to do when driving.

The Instagram account @wearetimo is known for its helpful road tips, advice on driving theory and highly-rated instructors.

In the video, posted to their 2,000 followers, one expert reveals three things you may not know are illegal on the road.

Splashing pedestrians

Ever been splashed by a car driving by in the pouring rain?

It's no secret that getting wet on a walk by a vehicle passing you is unpleasant - but it's also illegal.

According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, if you drive through a large puddle and end up splashing a pedestrian, you risk getting hit with a £100 fine.

However, if the pedestrian takes you to court, in the most serious cases that fine could reach up to £5,000.

Using your horn at night in residential areas

Rage-filled drivers can often be tempted to sound the horn while on the roads but the alert should only be used in certain situations.

Your car horn should only be used when warning someone of any danger, not to indicate your anger.

So, when are you banned from using your car horn?

You should not honk your horn when your car is stationary.

And when you are driving in a built-up area - with street lights and a 30 mph limit - between 11.30 pm and 7 am, it is also illegal to beep your horn.

The Highway Code says: “The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.

"Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.00am, except when another road user poses a danger.”

Police can issue drivers with a fine for illegal use of a car’s horn - often a fixed penalty notice of £30.

However, if a driver challenges the decision through the courts, and they lose, they could be slapped with a fine of up to £1,000.

Using your phone at a drive-through

Did you know you could be fined for using your phone when picking up a takeaway in your car?

Motorists stopping at a McDonald's or KFC drive-thru for a takeaway must make sure they bring cash or a card instead of relying on Apple Pay.

That's because the app is installed on a phone - which can't be used at all by a driver when the engine is running.

Once behind the wheel, using a phone in any capacity is illegal.

Anyone caught using their mobile while their engine is running will face a penalty.