Everyone has fears - valid at times and irrational at others - over whether specific actions behind the wheel can get them in trouble with the law.
If you're caught doing something illegal while driving, it can result in unlimited fines, licence points, complete disqualification from driving or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offence.
However, it's not always easy to know what actions you can be punished for on the road. Andy Alderson, CEO and founder of car leasing company Vanarama said: "There are so many myths around driving fines that it can be difficult for motorists to know what's true and what isn't."
In an effort to make sure Brits are safe on the road and don't get hit with unnecessary fines, Vanarama has answered 10 common questions about UK driving fines.
Can you get fined for driving too slow?
Yes, you can face an unlimited fine and up to 11 points for driving too slow, though there is no specific rule about driving too slow in the Highway Code.
Usually, you will receive a verbal warning from a police officer if your slow driving is considered a hazard. However, there are point penalties for dangerous and inconsiderate driving, which slow driving can fall under in extreme circumstances.
Can you get fined for driving in a bus lane?
You could face a fine of £90 or higher if you've been caught by CCTV driving in a bus lane, during the hours the lane is operating.
If caught, you could be eligible for a penalty charge notice (PCN), which if not paid within the number of days stated could result in you being issued a Charge Certificate - which then hikes the fine up to £135.
The amount of fine varies across the country and it typically £90, though it could be higher as well. However, if you pay it early you could get a 50% discount.
Can you get fined for driving through a puddle?
No, unless you splash pedestrians. It's not possible to avoid every puddle on the road, especially if you're driving on a narrow road so you won't face a fine for going through one.
However, if you splash a pedestrian while driving through a puddle, this could be seen as careless and inconsiderate driving for which you could face an unlimited fine and three to nine penalty points.
It is illegal to drive "without reasonable consideration for other persons" as well as “driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed”, under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Can you get fined for driving with fog lights on?
Yes, you could be £30 or more for driving with fog lights on. You should turn on your fog lights only when weather is foggy and visibility is reduced - according to the Highway Code, you can turn on fog lights when you can't see 100 metres ahead of the car.
Driving with fog lights on at any other time is illegal as well as unsafe as it can impact the vision of other drivers on the road. It also compromises the visibility of your brake lights.
Can you get fined for driving without lights?
Yes, up to £1,000 and three points. Driving with both or even one headlight turned off in low light is incredibly dangerous. You can be fined £100, and if you still leave it unfixed this can rise as high as £1,000.
If you're caught driving without lights, you could be hit with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £50, so to be on the safe side it's always a good idea to drive with your headlights on in dim light.
Can you get fined for driving without an MOT?
You can face fines of up to £2,500, nine points and a driving ban for being on the road without a valid MOT certificate.
Driving after your MOT has expired is illegal and if you get into an accident without an MOT, any insurance claims could become void, making you liable to pay out the money yourself.
It's also illegal to drive without valid insurance cover, so this could lead to an unlimited fine, six to nine penalty points or even disqualification from driving.
Can you get fined for driving on the hard shoulder?
Yes, using the hard shoulder as a as a traffic lane is illegal and result in a fine of £100 or more, as well as three points on your licence.
Unless directed by roadworks signs, a traffic officer or you're on a smart motorway, you should not drive on the hard shoulder.
Can you get fined for driving through a red light?
Yes, failing to stop for a red or amber light can result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
If the traffic light is amber while you're approaching it, it would be best to start slowing down to avoid being caught by either a police officer or traffic light cameras.
Can you get fined for driving in the middle lane?
Yes, you could face up to an unlimited fine and 11 points for hogging the middle lane, according to the Highway Code.
Try to always drive in the left lane, unless overtaking another vehicle. Typically, you would be charged a £100 fine and three penalty point, but in extreme cases you could be charged with careless driving, carrying the above penalty of 11 points and unlimited fine.
Can you get fined for driving down a one-way street?
Yes, if you drive down a one-way street, you can be hit with a £100 fine and three points, even if your satnav directed you wrongly or you missed a one-way road sign.
If you realise you're driving down a one-way street, the Highway Code says "you must not reverse your vehicle further than necessary". Instead, the best thing to do is to pull over and wait for a safe time to turn around and follow the correct direction.
