Latest news with #TheHighwayCode
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
AA warns drivers they could lose licence over common mistake
The AA has warned drivers that they need to be careful on the roads - as making one common mistake could see you banned from the roads The AA has issued a warning to motorists that they must exercise caution on Britain's roads - as committing one frequent error could result in a driving ban. On their website, the motoring organisation explains that novice drivers who make a slip-up will be required to resit their test. They say that since June 1997, accumulating six points within two years of passing your test will result in licences being annulled. This doesn't just mean you're no longer a qualified motorist - it also means you'll need to apply for a fresh provisional licence. Should this occur, you'll be forced to become a learner driver once more, until you're able to retake and pass both the theory and practical examinations, which you'll naturally have to fund again, reports Hull Live. The AA cautions that the penalty for using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving is now six points and a £200 fine after a law change in 2021. This means that by making this frequent blunder, you'll forfeit your licence for a single violation. The AA said: "Over the last twenty years far too many lives have been lost because of drivers using a phone at the wheel." What's the law on using your phone while driving? The AA clarifies that a handheld device is defined as something that "is or must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function". The prohibition on using hand-held devices while driving means you cannot: Text Make a phone call that isn't hands-free Use your device to navigate This legislation is applicable even if you are: Stopped at traffic lights Queuing in traffic Supervising a learner driver The law states: "It applies even if you have an automatic stop-start and the engine's cut out briefly". This legislation was introduced in 2021, making it illegal to pick up and use a mobile phone while driving. It closed a loophole that previously allowed drivers to use their phones for taking photos, recording videos or playing games. However, there's no need to panic as drivers can still make hands-free calls and use their mobiles to pay at drive-throughs. More information about this law can be found on the website. Wondering what to do if you need to use your phone? According to The Highway Code (239), motorists should turn off their engines if they stop on the roadside. By doing so, it eliminates any doubt that you're still driving. Once you've found a safe place to park with the handbrake engaged, you're free to use your phone and make calls.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers warned about common sat nav mistake that could lead to £200 fine
A survey by cinch found six common mistakes made by drivers which could see them facing thousands of pounds in fines - with two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip Most UK drivers rely on sat nav to navigate their journeys on a regular basis. However, with numerous vehicles lacking built-in dashboard navigation systems, countless motorists turn to their mobile phones for mapping assistance. Those utilising this convenient system on their smartphones are now being cautioned that it could result in a £200 penalty. This is due to many drivers unknowingly violating Highway Code regulations regarding mobile device usage whilst driving. Whilst it's perfectly legal to use your phone's sat nav function, the mobile must be properly secured to comply with regulations. In other similar news, anyone buying fuel next week given '£15 charge' warning by The AA. Experts at cinch, Britain's largest online used car dealer, emphasise that the device should be positioned in a fixed mount and operated hands-free throughout your journey. This requirement is supported by Rule 149 of The Highway Code, which clearly states: "You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving." It's prohibited to drive with your phone resting on your lap or to pick it up to check directions. Motorists caught engaging in this behaviour face a £200 fine and could also receive six penalty points on their driving licence, experts have cautioned. Ben Welham, motoring specialist at cinch, advised: "Make sure you're happy with the positioning of your phone mount before you set off. You need to keep your focus and attention on the road while driving to avoid distractions." Drivers must refrain from handling any device whilst behind the wheel for any purpose, including when: Stopped at traffic lights Queuing in traffic Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving Holding and using a device that's offline or in-flight mode A survey by cinch also found six other common mistakes drivers make which could see them facing thousands of pounds in fines, reports the Daily Record. And with two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip, there's a lot more to prepare for over the coming weeks than drivers might realise. Here they list some crucial Highway Code rule-breaks that could land you in trouble with the law and hit you in the pocket too. Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre (max. £10,000) Motorists must inspect tyre pressure and tread before departing. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and worn tyres compromise your vehicle's grip and are dangerous – particularly in the wet conditions of Britain's unpredictable climate. Underinflated tyres (beneath the manufacturer's recommended pressure) also compromise your car's handling and increase the risk of blowouts. This means operating with substandard tyres can result in hefty penalties (up to £2,500 per tyre) and up to three points on your licence for each tyre deemed illegal. Welham suggested: "You can check your tread depth in a pinch using a 20p coin, making sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin. Checking your tyre pressures is a case of looking at your owner's manual (there may also be a sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap) and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge." "If you're stuck and not sure if your tyres are safe, most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free," he added. What the law says The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states: "Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects." "Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference." Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine It's crucial to be properly rested before embarking on your road trip, ensuring you're alert to the demands of the road. Nodding off at the wheel is a serious offence and could heighten your chances of causing an accident on the road. "Don't forget to include regular breaks when planning your route," advises Welham. "It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals. It's not worth avoiding rests just to get to your destination more quickly. "If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break – avoiding pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actually emergency." What the law says Highway Code Rule 91 is clear: "Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended." Obstructing your view with luggage could cost you up to £1,000 Packing your boot to the brim? Be warned that blocking your rear view could slap you with a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence. Welham stresses the significance of a clear view: "Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking." What the law says According to The Highway Code's Annex 5 Penalties: "Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points." Exceeding 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine First time towing a caravan? Remember, there are specific speed limits for you, and not adhering to them could mean a hefty fine of up to £2,500 and potentially losing your driving privileges. What the law says Rule 124 of the Highway Code states: "You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle." And remember, there are lower speed limits when towing caravans: Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph Single carriageways: 50mph Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph Stopping in an unsafe spot for a break could lead to a £100 fine Pit stops are a staple of any road trip, be it for a loo break or to snatch up a quick bite. However, no matter how brief your pit stop may be, failing to park your used VW correctly could land you with a hefty £100 penalty. "Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal," notes Welham. "But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians." What the law says Rule 243 of The Highway Code outlines several no-go zones for parking, advising motorists where they should never stop or park: Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services Anywhere that blocks an entrance of a property On a bend Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge At or near the entrance of a school Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing Leaving the engine running to take photographs – up to £1,000 Remember, if you're pulling over to capture the scenery with your camera, always switch off your engine before exiting the vehicle. Welham cautions: "By leaving the engine running, you 'stop being in control of your car,' and this constitutes a motoring offence." Violating The Highway Code in such a manner can result in a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence. What the law says According to Rule 123 of The Highway Code: "You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road."
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned over common sat nav mistake that can see you fined £200
Sat nav is a great tool for finding your way around but it must be used properly, say experts The majority of UK drivers will use sat nav to help them find their way to places on a regular basis. But, with many cars not having the tool built into the dashboard, a lot of motorists will use their mobile phone to access maps. But those that use the handy system on their phones are being warned it could lead to a fine of £200. And that's because many will be breaching Highway Code rules on using their devices in the car. While it is not against the law to use your phone's sat nav, the mobile must be mounted properly to do so. According to experts at cinch, the UK's biggest online used car retailer, the device should be mounted in a fixed position and used hands-free at all times. This is backed by Rule 149 of The Highway Code which states: 'You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving." It is illegal to drive with your phone on your lap or hold it to check directions. If a driver is caught doing this, they face a £200 penalty but can also be given six penalty points on their licence, they warned. Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: "Make sure you're happy with the positioning of your phone mount before you set off. You need to keep your focus and attention on the road while driving to avoid distractions.' Drivers must avoid using a device in their hand for any reason, including when: Stopped at traffic lights Queuing in traffic Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving Holding and using a device that's offline or in-flight mode A survey by cinch also found six other common mistakes drivers make which could see them facing thousands of pounds in fines. And with two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip, there's a lot more to prepare for over the coming weeks than drivers might realise. Here they list some crucial Highway Code rule-breaks that could land you in trouble with the law and hit you in the pocket too. 1. Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre (max. £10,000) Drivers must check tyre pressure and tread before setting off. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and bald tyres affect your car's grip and are unsafe – especially in the wet conditions of unpredictable British weather. Underinflated tyres (below the manufacturer recommended pressure) also affect your car's handing and put you at risk of blowouts. That means driving with tyres not up to scratch can lead to heavy fines (up to £2,500 per type) and up to three points on your licence for each tyre that is found to be illegal. Welham advised: 'You can check your tread depth in a pinch using a 20p coin, making sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin. 'Checking your tyre pressures is a case of looking at your owner's manual (there may also be a sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap) and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge. 'If you're stuck and not sure if your tyres are safe, most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free. What the law says The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states: 'Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects. 'Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.' 2. Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine It's important to be well rested before you begin your road trip, so you're alert to the demands of the road. Falling asleep at the wheel is a serious offence and could increase your chances of causing an accident on the road. 'Don't forget to include regular breaks when planning your route,' advises Welham. 'It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals. It's not worth avoiding rests just to get to your destination more quickly. 'If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break – avoiding pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actually emergency.' What the law says Rule 91 of the Highway Code says: 'Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.' 3. Obstructing your view with luggage - up to £1,000 fine You need to be careful when stacking bags and other luggage in your boot. Blocking your view out of the rear windows can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence. Welham emphasises the importance of this: 'Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking.' What the law says The Annex. 5 Penalties of The Highway Code outlines: 'Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points.' 4. Driving over 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine New to towing a caravan? Doing so comes with its own speed limits, and you must drive at a safe reduced speed to stay within the law. Otherwise, you risk facing a penalty of up to £2,500 fine and disqualification from driving. What the law says Rule 124 of the Highway Code specifies: 'You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.' There are reduced speed limits for cars towing caravans: Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph Single carriageways: 50mph Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph 5. Parking in an unsafe place to make a pit stop - £100 fine Pit stops are part and parcel with road trips, whether it's a bathroom break or to grab a sandwich. But, regardless of how quick your stop is, make sure to park your used VW properly or you could be slapped with a £100 fine. 'Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal,' says Welham. 'But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians.' What the law says Places to avoid parking are listed in Rule 243 of The Highway Code. It states that drivers should not stop or park: Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services In front of an entrance to a property On a bend Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge Near a school entrance Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing 6. Leaving the engine running to take photographs – up to £1,000 If you stop your car to take a few snaps of a beautiful view, make sure to turn your engine off before you step out of the car. Welham warns: 'By leaving the engine running, you 'stop being in control of your car,' and this is a driving offence.' By breaching The Highway Code in this way, you could be fined £1,000 and issued with three penalty points. What the law says Rule 123 of The Highway Code states: 'You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.'
Scotsman
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
From car iPads to toddlers driving - which driving laws apply to children?
With summer holidays in full swing, many families are hitting the roads for well-deserved days out with their children. As many households look to pack up their cars and venture out, there may be some costly mistakes being made which parents are not aware of. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Driving expert Tim Alcock, Sales and Marketing Director at LeaseCar wanted to warn drivers of potentially dangerous mistakes they are making when driving with children, some of which may be illegal or subject to fines. Please see his advice on these surprising laws below: You can lose your licence if your child opens car a door whilst you're driving 'Whilst there isn't an official law on child locks being mandatory for cars, the driver is primarily responsible for the safety of all passengers in their vehicle and The Highway Code recommends using child locks. The guidelines advise that drivers should use locks to prevent a child from opening a car door when the vehicle is in motion. Incidents where child locks aren't enforced and kids open doors could be deemed as 'driving without due care and attention', which can lead to 3-9 penalty points on your licence and can even lead to losing your licence in some cases.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad child in car It's against The Highway Code for Kids to be unruly and cause distraction 'It can be tricky managing boisterous kids whilst driving but it's important to make sure they're keeping themselves and others safe from distraction. Rule 102 of The Highway Code advises 'children should be kept under control' when travelling in your vehicle. Rule 148 of The Highway Code supports this also and states that actions determined to be distracting the driver should be avoided. Causing distraction can lead to dangerous situations and cause accidents. Being caught driving carelessly can lead to fines or even points on your licence.' You should never fit a car seat in a side-facing seat 'It is illegal for any car seat, rear facing or otherwise, to fit sideways, according to related rules by The Motor Vehicles Regulations 1993. The risk is that side-facing seats, sometimes found in larger vehicles like some vans, motorhomes or specialist vehicles, pose significant risks for children should a collision occur, increasing the chances of serious injury. The law states that drivers are responsible for ensuring children are correctly and safely restrained. Violating this law can lead to fines of up to £500 and potential penalty points on the driver's licence.' Young children can drive cars on private roads 'Surprisingly, there is no specific legal minimum age for driving on private land in the UK, provided that land has no public technically means children of any age can drive on private land, according to the law. However, this is quite obviously ill-advised and unsafe to allow children to operate vehicles unsupervised and this could lead to accidents and injuries. Teenagers are also legally allowed to have a provisional tractor licence at age 16.' You can be fined children using tablets in your car 'Whilst the law doesn't strictly prohibit children's electronic device usage in cars, where the device causes the driver to be distracted or not have proper control of the vehicle, this can lead to legal action. For instance, if a tablet or other device used by a child in the back seat causes the driver to be distracted (e.g., by turning to adjust the screen or deal with an issue), this can be treated as a form of 'driving without due care and attention'. Careless driving typically results in 3 to 9 penalty points on your licence and a fine, which starts at £100 but can jump to £5,000 if the case goes to court.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sunshades, stickers or mobile toys may be breaching The Highway Code 'In The Highway Code, under "Vehicle maintenance, safety and security', guidelines advise a legal requirement that all glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle MUST be maintained in such a condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road. This refers to anything that obstructs your vision, like excessive mobiles, dangling toys, too many stickers on the windscreen or even a misplaced 'baby on board' sign. Making this mistake could lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and 3 points on your licence, or higher penalties if taken to court.' Children should always enter and leave your car kerbside 'This is a lesser known rule of the road but The Highway Code Rule 102 states that drivers should always ensure that children get into their vehicle through the passenger door that is nearest to the kerb. This is more advisory than enforced, but it is listed in order to protect children entering cars next to oncoming traffic.' You CAN have a car seat in the front seat of your car, but only if your airbag is deactivated 'Highway Code rule 101 states that a rear-facing baby seat must not be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child. You should always check your vehicle's handbook for specific instructions on deactivating the front passenger airbag. This often involves a key switch, a button or a menu setting in the car's infotainment system. Car seats should be placed in the back seat, rear facing, where possible but there are exceptions where a car seat can be placed in the front passenger seat with a deactivated airbag. Failure to comply with child car seat regulations is against the law and can result in a fine of up to £500.' Your children's loud music is against the Highway Code
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned that trying to stay cool this weekend could see them fined
Motorists should be wary when using their air conditioning in the hot weather Drivers are being warned that keeping their air conditioning on by leaving their car engine running could land them in the trouble. Drivers could be fined £40 if they are caught breaking The Engine Idling Law under Rule 123 of The Highway Code . The Driver and the Environment' law states that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road. And with temperatures heating up, drivers are being reminded not to leave their engines running idle. Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services at webuyanycar, an online car-buying service, said: 'Idling is the act of leaving the engine of a vehicle running unnecessarily. For example, if you're picking someone up from school and you wait outside with the engine on the whole time, this would be classified as idling. 'Also known as stationary idling, Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed. This act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states 'you must not leave a vehicle's engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. 'If you do leave your engine idle, you could face a fine. There aren't many exceptions to engine idling. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, it would be expected that you would turn your engine off as you aren't going anywhere. "On a warm day, keeping the air conditioning on by leaving the engine running may seem like a valid reason, but unfortunately, it is not. One of the few valid reasons to leave your engine idling while you aren't driving is if you need to defrost your windscreen on a cold morning. However, you shouldn't leave the car unattended while you do so. 'If you think you're likely to be waiting for more than a minute, it's best to just turn the engine straight off. If you're loading or unloading goods, waiting at car parks, laybys or pick-up points, turn the engine off too." Car owners can take several steps to keep their car cool before driving, especially on warmer days Use a sunshade: Placing a windshield sunshade inside the front window can block direct sunlight and reduce the temperature inside the car. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the area cool. Open the windows slightly: Leave the windows slightly open (if safe to do so) allows hot air to escape. This helps release the trapped heat and keeps the inside temperature from soaring. Park in the shade: Whenever possible, park the car in a shaded area. Trees, buildings, or structures can provide some relief from direct sunlight and help keep the car cooler. Use reflective window covers: Reflective covers for the side windows can reduce the amount of heat entering the car from all sides, not just the front. Cover the Seats: Leather and vinyl seats can get incredibly hot. Using seat covers or investing in a cooling seat cushion can help make sitting in the car more comfortable. Park with the front facing the sun: When possible, park with the front of your car facing the sun and the back of the car facing the shade. This helps heat escape through the rear of the vehicle, which may be less insulated than the front.
