5 Driving Rules You Probably Didn't Know About

When you learn how to drive, you are not only supposed to learn how to actually make the vehicle move, but you also have to learn all the little things that you can and cannot do behind the wheel. There are countless rules that drivers have to know before they can safely operate a vehicle on the road by themselves.

Everyone knows that they shouldn’t speed or check their phones when driving, but there are also number of things that you don’t hear very often, yet you are supposed to know them. Non-compliance could lead to getting points on your license or landing you with a fine, regardless of your knowledge.

Here are 5 rules, that most drivers break on a daily basis, probably without realising what they do is illegal:

1. Splashing Pedestrians with Puddles

If you’ve ever been hit by the wave after a driver has ploughed straight through a puddle, you will be understandably frustrated. But what you might not actually know is that it is actually illegal to splash pedestrians through puddles. You can receive a fixed penalty for doing so and in some cases, people have been handed tickets for public order offences after deliberately targeting pedestrians.

2. Taking Prescription Drugs

New road-side screening devices were introduced in 2015, together with new rules for drivers, using prescription medication. Medication such as codeine cannot be taken before driving and could lead to your license being taken from you. Most drugs that cause drowsiness come with a “do not drive” warning on the label. You should always make sure that the medications you take, are not banned for drivers.

3. Using Your Horn in Anger

The horn is there to warn other drivers, not to express your road rage. If you are caught using your horn in a moment of anger and frustration, then you’re breaking the law. You also can not use your horn between 11:30pm and 7am unless in an emergency situation.

4. Smoking

Smoking is actually illegal if any of the passengers in the vehicle are under 18. Since October 2015 the responsibility falls on the driver, and he is responsible for all passengers’ actions. The driver needs to ensure that no one in the vehicle smokes if there is a child present.

5. Having A Dirty Number Plate

Your number plate must be visible at all times. If you are driving down the country lanes, there is a high chance your number plate could get dirty. If so, then you’re breaking the law, so you need to always make sure that your number plates are clean and readable.

If you are a driver, then make sure you are up to date with all the rules on what you can and cannot do when driving.

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