There are a number of reasons why Brits can be fined when driving – from parking incorrectly to letting your dog roam around the car.
And, some of the penalty fines are pretty hefty.
Right now, when finances are tighter than usual. the last thing any of us wants is to land a fine of thousands of pounds.
Plus, you could get points added to your licence – get twelve and you’ll be banned from driving for six months.
And, this can go up to two years if you’re disqualified three times.
Here are some of the reasons you could receive a penalty when driving:
1. Night time parking
Parking with your car facing away from traffic at night time could snag you a £1,000 fine unless you’re using a designated parking bay.
Rule 248 of the Highway Code states: “a car must not be parked at the side of the road facing against the direction of traffic”.
2. Driving with unrestrained pets
You risk a £5,000 fine if your dog or cat is loose in your car.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly."
There’s no fine for specifically this reason, but if you drive without proper control due to your pet distracting you then a fine of £1,000 can be given police.
If this is bumped up to failing to drive with due care an attention then there’s a £5,000 maximum fine and nine penalty points.
So, use a cage, carrier, harness or guard.
3. Dirty number plates
If your reg plate is dirty so that people can’t see what it says then you could be fined up to £1,000.
4. Alerting others to speed traps
If you warn other drivers of police speed traps by flashing with your lights then you could face a penalty.
As part of the Highway Code, drivers are instructed to use their headlights "only to let other road users know that you are there" and not to attempt "to convey any other message".
If you alert others to police further down the road then you could be in breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1997.
This could also apply if you warn people about speed traps by posting on social media.
5. Driving with fogged windows
Make sure you don’t drive with frosted windows when it’s cold.
You could be fined up to £60.
This is because the Highway Code states that you need to be able to see clearlyy before setting off.
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