Motorists who do not keep up to date with the Highway Code works may unknowingly land themselves with heavy financial punishments. Recent studies have suggested that most people do not fully understand the Highway Code and all the rules laid out within it.
There are lots of common mistakes that can be made by people who do not keep up with the most up to date version of the code.
For example, there were nine sections of the Highway Code updated last year. Fifty rules were added or amended, and research shows that 61% of motorists seemingly did not know these updates even took place.
Recent updates have been put in place to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists, for example if a driver puts a cyclist at risk on the road which results in the cyclist crossing over to the pavement, the driver may be fined.
Another rule that most people may not know about is that when in bad weather, drivers should never turn their lights on full. Bright lights are distracting for other drivers, and this risks a fine.
Even though most drivers understand that using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a car is illegal, they may not know that using a phone as a passenger in the passenger seat, under rules introduced last year, could result in a punishment. For example, if a driver is supervising a learner driver, and touches their mobile phone at any point, they could be fined up to £1000 for doing so.
Using a smartwatch behind the wheel of a car is also a no-no. Any device which takes a driver’s eyes off the road, even for a moment, is a breach of the Highway Code.
Christian Williams is from a car competitions company called BOTB, and says the following about cars:
"Mobile phones have been banned while driving for almost 20 years, but drivers may not be aware that any device is illegal to operate while driving a vehicle. Specifically, the Highway Code states that the ban applies to holding or using any device that can send and receive data.
The other one to look out for is being drivers being caught out by an attempted act of kindness. After passing a speed camera, Brits might be tempted to flash their fellow road users to warn them of what’s just ahead or around the corner. But this is a serious offence under the Highway Code and drivers could be left with a fine of £1,000”.