Highway Code rules that we break without knowing

 

Top of the list: flashing your headlights.

A Highway Code rule that we break without knowing is the flashing of headlights – a common road culture used to say thank you or to give the other driver right of way.

Whereas this is common practice, it can be misleading and cause confusion for some drivers. A driver drove out of a gas station into the side of my car once, because another driver flashed their lights and they assumed it was safe to go even though they could not see on-coming traffic.

Highway Code 110 prohibits drivers to flash their lights for reasons other than notifying other drivers of their presence.

Blowing your horn

How often do we hear horns used in frustration at other drivers? Driving instructors will sometimes find themselves in this situation, especially if a pupil stalls or takes longer than an experienced driver to move off. This usually leads to the pupil panicking, which then leads to more stalling.

The Highway Code 112 specifically states that ‘You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road or when driving in built-up areas between 11:30pm and 7:00am, except when another road user poses a danger.’

Park facing the wrong way at night

Another rule that is sometimes ignored is parking at night, facing oncoming traffic, in an unrecognised parking space. The danger here is the possibility of dazzling other drivers when parking or leaving. Parking this way also means that the reflectors located at the rear of the vehicle are hidden, making your vehicle less visible at night.

Other rules worth considering

Rule 57- Unrestrained Pets

Highway Code 123 – Leaving your engine on when parked up

Swearing or being aggressive behind the wheels; this is classified as disorderly conduct and falls under the Crime and Disorder act 1998

Highway Code 149 – Paying at the drive using your mobile phone while the engine is running.