13 Common but Illegal Driving Habits

While all drivers should be aware that driving offences include speeding and drunk/drug driving, there are a host of other offences that people may not be aware exist. Some are illegal, and the Highway Code covers others. 

To be clear on breaches of the Highway Code, “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.”  

Source: Highway Code. 

1. Driving with unrestrained dogs 
2. Parking in disabled or parent/child bays ( Only Blue Badge holders parents with a child under 12 or in a car seat can use these) 
3. Splashing pedestrians deliberately 
4. Leaving a car to defrost with the engine running 
5. Smoking - if you have passengers under the age of 18 
6. Applying make-up at the wheel  
7. Flashing your lights to give way to someone 
8. Honking your horn at someone in anger 
9. Using the middle lane of the motorway for normal driving 
10. Driving with snow on the roof of your car 
11. Letting your dog out on the hard shoulder, even if broken down  
12. A dirty/obscured licence plate 
13. Failing to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road at a junction into which or from which you are turning.

Whether the action is illegal or covered by the Highway Code, the Police could pick you up for any of these habits. Keep aware of these points next time you get behind the wheel to create a safer driving environment for all road users.