'Law is clear' as drivers face £5,000 fine for 'rude' action
Drivers could face penalties of up to £5,000 for carelessly soaking pedestrians during wet weather. Speeding through puddles and drenching nearby pedestrians is not merely thoughtless but can also pose risks, whether carried out deliberately or accidentally.
While the Highway Code doesn't explicitly reference splashing pedestrians, legislation exists regarding driving with due care and attention.
Section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to speed through puddles and drench pavement users, as this constitutes driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons". This means motorists caught committing such acts could face substantial penalties.
Penalties for soaking pedestrians
Usually, drivers caught drenching pedestrians will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and possibly three points on their licence. Nevertheless, if proceedings reach court, the driver faces a significantly steeper fine of up to £5,000.
Penalties are typically determined by various considerations, including the degree of distress caused by the incident and the extent of inconvenience suffered.
Adam Jones, a legal expert at HD Claims, said: "Most people think it's just rude – but the law is very clear. Splashing someone deliberately, or failing to slow down and causing a soaking, can lead to a fixed penalty or even a court summons. At best, it's £100 and three points. At worst, it's five grand and a criminal conviction."
How to avoid splashing pedestrians and receiving a fine
By following some basic safety guidance, it can be easy to avoid splashing pedestrians and therefore avoiding a hefty fine. Generally, a car will make a large splash when going over a puddle at high speeds.
Firstly, the driver should consider whether it's safe to avoid the puddle and not drive through it at all. However, if the road conditions mean that the car has to go through the puddle, reducing the speed slightly can significantly lessen how large a splash from a puddle will be.
Jones added: 'Failing to take care in wet weather can land you with more than just a fine. You risk points on your licence, higher insurance premiums – and if you cause injury, even civil claims.'
HD Claims also advises drivers to drive cautiously through flooded streets, especially urban areas where there is a higher risk of splashing pedestrians.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- Daily Record
Motorists warned of £200 fine for using headlights in harmless way
You might think you are being courteous, but you could end up in trouble with one common action Motorists could face a hefty fine for warning other motorists of speed cameras. Most drivers think they're being courteous when they flash their headlights to alert others of speed cameras, give way at junctions, or to even signal "thanks" to fellow motorists. However, these friendly flashes are actually illegal under Highway Code Rule 110 and could result in fines of up to £200 and penalty points. Even more alarmingly, drivers who flash their lights to warn others of police presence face potentially devastating penalties of up to £1,000 for obstructing police duties. Highway Code Rule 110 states that drivers should "only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there." It explicitly warns: "Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users." This means virtually every common use of headlight flashing is technically breaking the law, including warning other drivers of speed cameras, giving way at junctions, signalling "thank you," or expressing frustration. The penalties depend on exactly why drivers flashed their lights, creating a confusing two-tier system most motorists are unaware of. Car finance expert and owner of Simple PCP Claims, Tom Riley, said: "Most drivers flash their lights with good intentions, thinking they're being helpful. But the law is crystal clear, you can only flash your headlights to alert others to your presence. Anything else could technically land you in hot water." The regulations stem from the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989. While Highway Code breaches aren't directly criminal, police can issue penalties when misuse creates danger or impedes law enforcement. The Crown Prosecution Service specifically lists "giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead" as an example of obstructing police duties, making it clear that authorities actively target this common practice. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. While prosecution for everyday "polite" flashing remains relatively rare, the legal framework exists to catch drivers who step outside legally acceptable bounds. Traffic officers are particularly vigilant about drivers warning others of speed cameras. The confusion arises because headlight flashing has become ingrained in British driving culture. Many drivers assume it's perfectly legal, having learned these habits during lessons or from experienced drivers. Tom Riley adds: "The £200 fine might not sound enormous, but add penalty points and you're looking at a serious hit to your driving record. For drivers who warn others about speed traps, that £1,000 maximum penalty could be financially devastating. The safest approach is simple, only flash when you genuinely need to alert someone to your presence." With road traffic enforcement becoming increasingly sophisticated, drivers using headlights as a communication tool are playing a dangerous game with potentially expensive consequences.
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Ex-North Wales policeman to reuse old bike on charity ride
Craig Jones, who spent the last years of his policing career in Rhosneigr, Anglesey, was photographed in 1995 riding the vintage bicycle on patrol. He has since restored the bike and recently returned to Rhosneigr with Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn to recreate the scene nearly 30 years later. (L) Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, with (R) Mr Jones, ex-North Wales Police Inspector, and the bike (Image: North Wales Police) Chief Superintendent Llewellyn said: "It was fantastic to see all the hard work Craig has put into restoring this bike. "We stopped and spoke to a number of locals, some of whom even remembered Craig patrolling both on foot and bike some 30 years ago. "It was a good reminder as to just how important foot patrol is. "We spoke with members of the local community and visitors from all over the UK, without fail they all told us how good it was to see police officers walking the beat. "Seeing police officers and PCSOs on foot patrol is the best way to make our communities feel safer and to maintain the high levels of confidence they have in us." Mr Jones has recently spent hours restoring the bike to its former glory (Image: North Wales Police) Mr Jones plans to ride the restored bike as part of the 2025 UK Police Unity Tour, organised by the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity, which supports the families of officers who have died in the line of duty. This year's ride takes place this Friday (August 1) to Sunday (August 3) and covers 255 miles. A group of North Wales Police officers and staff will take part, raising funds for COPS. Mr Jones will ride the final leg into the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, wearing his original police tunic. North Wales Police said in a statement: "We'd like to wish good luck to everyone taking part this weekend including Craig, and hope that his old friend sees him through." READ MORE: Cash seized from criminals funds Holyhead youth basketball sessions COPS is a UK charity dedicated to offering support to the families of fallen officers. Their aim is to ensure survivors receive the help they need to cope with their loss and remain connected to the wider police force as they seek to rebuild their lives. Support Mr Jones' fundraiser on
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned of £5,000 fine for making footwear mistake while driving
The RAC has warned that footwear can be a driving hazard over summer. The penalties can be as costly as they are severe so UK motorists must take care on the warning Over the last weeks of summer, motorists are being warned about getting behind the wheel whilst barefoot, in flip-flops, or wearing sandals. Whilst it might not be against the law in every instance, failing to wear suitable footwear whilst driving breaches Rule 97 of the Highway Code. This could result in being deemed as driving without due care and attention. The penalties can be as costly as they are severe. To help motorists, the RAC has put together a list of footwear to steer clear of when behind the wheel. This list encompasses sandals, flip-flops and driving barefoot. Bulky hiking boots and towering stiletto heels are also deemed dangerous. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' a road instead of having to follow a new rule. Rule 97 of the Highway Code declares that you must wear footwear and clothing that won't stop you from using your vehicle's controls correctly. This means that if you're caught up in a crash and officers spot that you're sporting flip-flops or have no shoes on whatsoever, you could be hit with "driving without due care and attention", reports Chronicle Live. This charge brings a £100 immediate fine and three points on your licence. Should it reach court, the penalties could soar dramatically to £5,000 and lead to nine penalty points. You might also be slapped with a total driving ban. Selim Cavanagh, from insurance firm Ingenie, explained: "[Flip-flops] slip off, slide under the pedals, get caught between your feet and the pedals, and if your feet are wet, they'll affect your ability to brake if you need to. Driving in flip-flops can create a dangerous driving environment and put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk." The RAC states: "While light, flimsy and impractical footwear can be dangerous, so can sturdy, robust shoes, such as walking or snow boots. "It's important to have a good base and grip to apply pressure to the pedals, but you need a certain degree of finesse to manipulate the controls. If not, you could strike the brake and accelerator together, producing a heart-in-mouth incident." However, it clarifies that "you can get behind the wheel of a vehicle barefoot or while wearing flip-flops, provided you are able to operate the controls safely. If you do so with wet feet, for example, you might be putting yourself, your passengers, and other road users at risk by not being able to drive the car safely. "This is illegal. And while it's not illegal to drive without shoes on, that doesn't mean it's right." The Driving Standards Agency, which oversees UK driving tests, warns: "suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don't have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on." The RAC has issued guidelines on the appropriate footwear to wear whilst driving.
