We all know that a red light means stop; you shouldn’t use your phone whilst you’re driving and you definitely shouldn’t get behind the wheel after a few drinks.

However, there are a few rules that aren’t as well known, but could still land you with a fine and points to your license.

That’s why this month we’ve decided to create this list of little-known road laws you don’t want to break.

Using your phone as a sat nav in an unsecured position

If you’re driving an older car or don’t have access to a Sat Nav, then chances are you’ve used the map app on your smart phone to help find your way.

However, if you’re using it but it’s not secure in a holder on your dashboard or windscreen, then you’re breaking the law. This is because you’re more likely to be distracted trying to keep it one place whilst you’re driving.

If you have secured it in place, it should be in clear sight without you having to readjust its position, and shouldn’t be placed where it can obstruct your view of the road ahead.

Flashing your lights to warn people of speed traps

Nearly all drivers regularly use their lights to let another vehicle go ahead or turn a corner, but flashing your lights to warn others about speed traps is also an offence.

Think about it, if you see someone speeding and they don’t get caught because you’ve warned them then they’re more likely to cause an accident in the future.

You might think that you’re being polite and helpful, but if you’re caught then you will be fined anywhere between £100 and £5,000 and you’ll gain three points on your license.

Driving a van at more than 50mph on a single carriageway

Regardless of whether you drive a van for a living or you’re renting one for the day, you might not have known that you’ll be breaking the law if you exceed 50mph on single carriageways, or 60mph on dual carriageways.

However, if you’re taking the motorway then you’re safe as long as you stick to the 70mph speed limit.

Letting animals out of the car whilst you’re broken down on the hard shoulder

They might be man’s best friends, but if you let your pet out of the car whilst you’re broken down on the hard shoulder and your animal causes an accident, you’ll be faced with a driving offence charge.

However, if it is an emergency, you are able to remove them from the vehicle, as long as you keep hold of them and you’re not putting yourself or others at risk.

Driving too slowly

Everybody knows that driving too quickly is not just dangerous for yourself and others around you, but did you know that you can actually get points on your license for driving too slowly?

Take for example on a motorway, the normal flow of traffic and average speed can range from 60mph to 75mph (for cars and vans at any rate), so if you’re driving under 40mpg the vehicles coming up behind aren’t expecting you to be driving so slowly.

This could cause them to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid you, or go into the back of your car if they don’t have that option.

Using your phone at a drive-through

You may think that if you’re at a drive-through that you’re safe to use your phone but you’d be wrong. You’re still behind the wheel of your car, so if you’re caught then you’ll get a fine of £200 and six points on your license.

Parking within 10 metres of a junction

We’ve all been in that annoying situation, you’re trying to pull out of a junction and someone has parked their car right in your line of sight. Not only is this dangerous and inconsiderate, it’s also a driving offence.

Accepting payment for giving someone a lift

This doesn’t apply to a petrol money contribution, but if you’re regularly giving people lifts and making money from it, then this is against the law. You could be fined up to £5,000 and you’d get 6 penalty points on your license.

So there we have it, our list of little-known road laws that you don’t want to break. Some of them might seem a bit over the top, but everything has been set in place for a reason.

What do you think? Do you know of any road laws that we haven’t mentioned? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so do let us know in the comments below.

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