Drivers warned over Highway Code rule on playing music in car that could see them fined £5k
The rules of the road are something the majority of drivers believe they are familiar with. From road signs to parking limitations, its all ingrained from the moment they learn to drive a vehicle.
But there is one lesser-known rule drivers may not be aware of and it's to do with something that many motorists do. It's to do with playing music while in the car.
While blasting out your favourite tunes is a common way to pass the time on a journey, it could actually see you fined up to £5,000 and even lose your licence, reports The Express.
Rule 148 of the Highway Code states motorists, and bikers, have to "avoid distractions when driving or riding". And this can affect habits behind the wheel such as listening to your favourite artist as well as eating and drinking.
The gov.uk website says 'safe driving and riding needs concentration' and the Highway Code advises motorists not to play their music loudly. It says 'this may mask other sounds'.
If distractions like loud music, eating, or drinking cause a driver to lose control or drive without due care, they could face penalties ranging from a fixed penalty notice to disqualification, and fines up to £5,000.
The code also says that if you are trying to read a map or you start or adjust your music or the radio, this could also cause distractions. The list does not end there, as "arguing with your passengers or other road users" can also be a breach of the code.
It states this should always be avoided as not only can it cause loud sounds, but you may take your eyes off the road, or get angry and not be alert to anything you need to react to such as roadworks, a red light or someone in the middle of the road.
There is also mention of smoking as a habit that should also be avoided by some drivers. The code says: "You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. Separate regulations apply to England, Wales and Scotland.
"In England and Wales, the driver MUST NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18, including motor caravans.
"In Scotland it is an offence for anyone aged 18 or over to smoke in a private motor vehicle (unless it is parked and being used as living accommodation) when there is someone under 18 in the vehicle and the vehicle is in a public place."
Drivers are also being alerted to other guidance they should be aware of. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged people with a car to set up an alert to avoid being fined and save their vehicle from being clamped. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they stressed the importance of acting quickly, noting that the process only takes a few minutes.
Their message read: "Set up your Driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email. Do it today – it only takes 5 minutes." They are reminded that "it's illegal to drive your vehicle until you've taxed it."
Meanwhile, they also warned on their website: "You'll be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle or tell DVLA that it's off the road. You'll also have to pay for the time it was not taxed. If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency."
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