Little Known UK Driving Laws

Rules of the road you might not know

Being a competent driver means abiding by the rules of the road, keeping our license point-free and our finances undisturbed by fines! Whilst we all know the big road no-nos, there are a few more obscure laws that you may not be aware of - don’t let them catch you out! 

Here are some little known driving laws here in the UK… 

1. Keep your dog inside the car 

A dog with its head out the window enjoying the passing breeze may seem like the epitome of a relaxed journey, but allowing your dog to do this is actually illegal! As a responsible driver (and dog owner), you must keep your pet suitably restrained within the vehicle, and ears flapping in the wind and snout raised to the sky indicate this isn’t the case. 

2. No swearing 

Gesticulating to other drivers and ranting rudely behind the wheel in the heat of a road-rage moment is a big no-no. According to the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998, you’re committing ‘disorderly conduct’, which could see you in trouble if you’re found to be losing your cool on the roads 

3. Don't drive too slowly

We all know that speeding is against the law, but did you know that doing the opposite is also classed as dangerous and therefore illegal too. Driving too slowly when there’s no reason to be doing so is seen as a risk to other traffic and could cause an accident, so keeping up with the flow whilst remaining within the speed limit is your safest bet. 

4. No splashing pedestrians 

Ever splashed an innocent bystander who happened to be by a puddle you were driving through? Whether you did it by accident or for fun, it would have been considered ‘careless and inconsiderate’ according to the Road Traffic Act of 1988, and therefore an offence punishable by a fine and points on your license. Avoiding soaking pedestrians is the decent thing to do anyway, we feel! 

5. Hold off on the horn honking 

Unless you’re making another driver aware of your presence in an emergency when they may not otherwise have been so, honking your horn can be seen as aggressive - and land you with a £1000 fine! 

6. No sleeping drunk in your car 

Despite not actually driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, retreating to your car after a night out for a kip is still illegal. Being inside your vehicle whilst intoxicated could see a whopping 10 points added to your license - and there would be a fine to pay too! It’s still considered being in charge of a vehicle, so it’s best to avoid your motor altogether if you’ve had a few to drink. 

7. Keep the noise down 

However good your car stereo is, refrain from blasting out your tunes while you’re out and about. Loud music can prevent you from concentrating, or hearing the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle, which presents a danger to yourself and those around you. 

8. Clear your roof of snow 

It’s particularly apt of us to mention this at this time of year, as although we know to clear our windscreens when it’s been snowing, we ought to be clearing our roofs too - it’s illegal not to! Snow can come loose, slip forwards and block your vision, or fly off at speed and affect other drivers, with potentially dangerous consequences. 

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