UK drivers risk £1,000 fines for common 'friendly gesture' on the road
The research found that a staggering 58% of drivers are flouting the highway code because of these myths, potentially incurring fines of as much as £1,000. The experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts are drawing attention to the top five missteps and the truths that debunk them.
Check out these top five myths to ensure you're not unintentionally violating the rules – as failing to adhere could result in a surprise fine for inadvertently breaching the highway code.
Myth 1: Flashing your lights as a friendly gesture is acceptable (60%)
Approximately 45% of drivers admit to flashing their full-beams occasionally as a courteous gesture, and some even speak about this practice on social media platforms. Drivers commonly do this to let another driver merge from a junction or as thanks.
Nonetheless, this seemingly harmless action is, in fact, against the law according to the highway code and could attract a fine of up to £1,000 if caught. Alarmingly, 60% of motorists do not recognise that this act is illegal.
Highway Code Rule 110 clarifies: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed."
Myth 2: It's illegal to drive with the interior light on (38%)
A common misconception among many is that driving with the interior light on is against the law, a belief held by 38% of drivers. However, there is no legislation prohibiting the use of interior lights while driving.
Nevertheless, it can be distracting and should be used only when necessary and for short periods.
Myth 3: You can beep your horn to express frustration (52%)
A significant proportion of UK drivers, 52%, think it's acceptable to honk their car horn at other road users out of frustration, with 36% admitting to having done so in the past. While horns can be used to alert others to danger, using them out of annoyance is a breach of the Highway Code and may result in a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice.
According to rule 112 of the Highway Code: "Use your horn 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 a road - 'except' when another road user poses a danger."
Myth 4: It is illegal to drive in certain footwear or barefoot (43%)
The type of footwear worn while driving can affect your ability to drive safely, but there are no strict rules or laws governing what can be worn on the feet, including flip-flops, high heels, or even driving barefoot. A substantial proportion of drivers erroneously think it's unlawful to drive in flipflops (41%), barefoot (43%) or in high heels (29%).
However, you can be pulled over for unsafe driving, so always ensure you can operate the vehicle competently in whatever footwear you opt for.
Myth 5: Using air-con is always more efficient (68%)
More than two thirds of drivers (68%) believe that using air-con consumes less fuel than driving with the windows down, thus making it the most economical choice.
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