Drivers could be fined £1,000 after driving through mud and getting their registration plate dirty, according to the Highway Code.
Motorists are required to adhere to the Highway Code and in some cases, failure to follow the rules could result in a hefty fine, or points added to your licence. And as we approach the Bank Holiday weekend, many people could be driving out and about - and they're reminded to make sure they're adhering to the code.
If you've driven through a muddy puddle, you need to check your registration place as driving on UK roads with unreadable number plates could result in a fine of up to £1,000. There is no law against having a dirty car but you need to keep your number plates clear and easy to read, Lincolnshire Live reports.
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The Highway Code states that drivers must take special care to maintain their car and ensure it is working properly, stating "lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear". Car lease comparison site Moneyshake has put together a list of other little-known rules that you need to follow, particularly if you're heading away this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Here's the full list:
Overloading Your Car
Each car has a maximum loading weight, including passengers and luggage, so make sure you read up in your vehicle's handbook before setting off. If this weight limit is ignored, it can pose a danger to your vehicle, placing additional strain on the tyres and other components, affecting the handling, and increasing your risk of having an accident.
On top of the safety risks, if you are caught driving an overloaded car, you can face a fine of up to £300 and have up to three penalty points issued to your driving licence. If you are involved in an accident while your vehicle is loaded beyond its maximum limit, this can also invalidate your car insurance.
Being Tired
After a few nights away, you might be low on sleep, but driving when you are tired significantly increases your risk of an accident. Under the Highway Code, within the fitness to drive section it states you must “not begin a journey if you are tired” and “get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey.”
Aside from behaviours such as driving aggressively and ignoring traffic lights, dangerous driving also covers “being sleepy.” If you are found guilty of dangerous driving, you could be hit with an unlimited fine, a driving ban and up to 14 years in prison depending on the seriousness, so make sure you’re well-rested before driving home, even if that means leaving later than planned.
Charging For Lifts
Driving friends to and from places is not uncommon but something as simple as charging a few pounds for the journey could get you in trouble. That’s because drivers aren’t allowed to make a profit unless they have a valid taxi or private hire licence.
If you're making a profit from giving lifts then you're technically running an unlicensed taxi. Taking petrol money and a contribution towards running costs is fine, although the problem arises if you take more money than you spend on fuel.
Anyone found to be making a profit could be charged with illegally operating as a taxi and drivers could face a £2,500 fine. You could even have your insurance invalidated, points on your licence or be disqualified.
Sleeping In Your Car While Drunk
After a long weekend, you may be tempted to have a nap in your car and whilst it’s not breaking the law to sleep in your car, it is illegal to be under the influence in your car. If caught sleeping whilst you’re over the alcohol limit, even with the engine switched off, you could be prosecuted for being “drunk in charge of a motor vehicle.”
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a motorist can be found guilty if they are “in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit”.
If you are caught in a vehicle while above the legal limit, you could face a maximum fine of £2,500. You could also end up being disqualified from driving and in more serious cases, face up to three months imprisonment.
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