Latest news with #drivingfines
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers risk £5,000 fine over little-known temporary traffic light rule
Drivers risk breaking the Highway Code and being hit with a staggering £5,000 fine for ignoring "dangerous" headlight rules. Drivers have been warned that some temporary traffic lights operate on sensors rather than timers - but road users are being told not to flash their lights to get them to change green. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "Nobody enjoys being stuck at a traffic light waiting for it to turn green - but we suspect many motorists simply aren't aware that their own driving habits could be making the problem worse. "Many temporary traffic lights use radar sensors that require a vehicle to be close enough to trigger the light change. If a vehicle isn't near enough, the lights will prioritise traffic coming from another direction where they can sense cars - leaving you unnecessarily stuck on red for ages." READ MORE: Older drivers face new medical rules because current laws 'ineffective' READ MORE: UK drivers may need to retake test even if they've passed READ MORE Next UK heatwave about to begin with 34C but will be restricted to 'three areas' He warned that this can cause traffic to build in one direction, "which can take many rotations of the lights to clear, and potentially cause anger and frustration all around". "Frustratingly, the same issue can be caused if a driver stops too close to the light itself, beyond the sensor," he added. Conway said: "The sensors in modern traffic lights don't respond to the light frequencies emitted by headlights - so it's pointless flashing your lights at them in an attempt to speed up the colour change process." Rule 114 states: "You must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders." Drivers caught misusing headlights can be hit with a £100 fine and points on their driving licence, although more serious cases could see a £5,000 fine and "the threat of a driving ban". A spokesperson from added: "Flashing headlights is commonly used by drivers to signal other motorists, but many are unaware that this practice can land them with a substantial fine. "A simple headlight check can ensure that you are not unintentionally dazzling other road users or creating dangerous driving conditions. It's vital that headlights are used responsibly, especially in low-visibility conditions, to keep the roads safe for everyone."
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Warning to 45million drivers over little-known number plate rule that could see you hit with £1k fine – are you at risk?
A WARNING has been issued to 45 million drivers over a little-known number plate rule that could see you hit with a £1,000 fine. The DVLA has urged anyone with a personalised plate to check one crucial thing. 1 Sales of personalised number plates have more than doubled over the past decade in the UK, highlighting how popular they are. If you drive with an unregistered personalised plate, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. And the DVLA have taken to social media to share an alert with anyone who has one. 'Do you have a personalised registration that is not on a vehicle?", it said. "If it's been 10 years since the latest certificate or retention document for your registration was issued, you may need to renew it this year. It's free to renew.' You must renew the right to use your private plate every 10 years if you do not renew it on or before the expiry date. The DVLA will not accept applications after that date. They added that "you should check your documents to find out when the expiry date is." You can buy a personalised registration for your number plates from DVLA online or at auction. You can search online to see which numbers are available and how much they cost. Personalised number plates can only be used on a motor registered, taxed and used in the UK. Truth behind plans for new August 1 driving rules for seniors revealed – and what it means for over 70s And you can't make your vehicle look newer than it actually is such as putting an '07 registration number onto a 2003 registered vehicle. When you purchase a personalised plate, you're buying the right to assign this number to a motor registered in your name or someone else's name (the nominee). Last month, The Sun also reported how drivers were being urged to check their plates for another little-known rule. Personalised number plates have grown in popularity, with recent trends including different sized characters and spaces between letters. But with strict regulations in place, many drivers unknowingly fall fowl of UK driving laws and could face a fine of up to £1,000. To comply, motorists must have their number plates created by a registered supplier and be up to date with the latest certification. Plates should be made of a reflective material with black characters on a white background on the front of the vehicle and black on yellow at the rear.
