Common negligence myths debunked – puddles to driving too slowly

If you commit a traffic violation, you can expect hefty fines and other consequences. However, there are many myths about what actions can lead to a fine – here’s everything you need to know

Everyone has concerns – sometimes legitimate and sometimes irrational – that certain actions behind the wheel could get them in trouble with the law.

If you are caught doing something illegal Driveit can lead to unlimited fines, license points, completeDriver’s license suspended or even imprisoned, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

However, it is not always easy to know for which actions you can be fined on the road. Andy Alderson, CEO and founder of a car leasing company Vanarama called: “There are so many myths surrounding fines that it can be difficult for drivers to know what’s true and what’s not.”

To make sure the British are safely on the way and not subject to unnecessary fines, Vanarama 10 replied frequently asked questions about fines in the UK.

Can you get a fine for driving too slowly?

yes you can face one unlimited fine and up to 11 points for speeding, although there is no specific speeding rule by doing traffic regulations.

You will normally receive a verbal warning from a police officer if your slow driving is considered dangerous. However, there are penalty points for dangerous and reckless driving, which can result in extreme cases when driving slowly.

Can you get a fine for driving in a bus lane?

You could face a fine of £90 or more if you’re caught by CCTV driving in a bus lane while the lane is in use.

If you’re caught you may be entitled to a Penalty Fee (PCN) which, if not paid within the specified number of days, could result in you being issued with a fee certificate – which could then result in a fine of up to £135 elevated.

The amount of the fine varies from country to country and is usually £90 but can be higher. However, if you pay it early, you can get a 50% discount.

Can you get a fine for driving through a puddle?

No, unless you spray pedestrians. It’s not possible to avoid every puddle on the road, especially if you’re driving on a narrow road, lest you face a fine if you drive through one.

However, running over a pedestrian while driving through a puddle could be considered careless and reckless driving, which could result in an unlimited fine and three to nine penalty points.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to drive ‘without reasonable regard for others’ and to ‘drive through a puddle where pedestrians are splashed’.

Can you get a fine for driving with the fog lights on?

Yes, you could pay £30 or more to drive with the fog lights on. You should only turn on your fog lights when weather it’s foggy and visibility is poor – according to the Highway Code, you can turn on the fog lights if you can’t see 100 meters in front of the car.

Driving with the fog lights on at any other time is illegal and unsafe as it can affect the visibility of other drivers on the road. It also affects the visibility of your brake lights.

Can you get a fine for driving without lights?

Yes, up to £1,000 and three points. Driving in low light with both headlights or even one off is incredibly dangerous. You can be fined £100 and if you still haven’t fixed it this can go up to £1,000.

If you are caught driving without your lights on you can be fined a Fixed Penalty (FPN) of £50. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to drive with your headlights on in low light.

Can you get a fine for driving without an MOT?

You face fines of up to £2,500, nine points and a driving ban if you drive without a valid MOT certificate.

Driving after the MOT is illegal, and if you are involved in an accident without MOT, insurance claims may be void and you’ll have to pay the money yourself.

Driving without valid insurance coverage is also a criminal offense and can result in an unlimited fine, six to nine penalty points or even the suspension of your driving licence.

Can you get a fine for driving on the hard shoulder?

Yes, using the hard shoulder as a lane is illegal and will result in a fine of £100 or more and three points on your driving licence.

You should not drive on the hard shoulder unless directed to do so by roadworks signs, a traffic cop, or when on a smart highway.

Can you get a fine for driving through a red light?

Yes, not stopping at a red or yellow light can result in a £100 fine and three points on your driving licence.

If the traffic light is amber as you approach it, it is best to slow down to avoid being caught by a police officer or traffic light cameras.

Can you get a fine for driving in the middle lane?

Yes, you could face one unlimited fine and 11 points for occupying the middle lane, according to the StVO.

Try to stay in the left lane at all times unless you are overtaking another vehicle. You will normally be fined £100 and three penalty points, but in extreme cases you could be charged with careless driving, which incurs the 11 point penalty mentioned above and an unlimited fine.

Can you get a fine for driving on a one-way street?

Yes, if you’re going down a one-way street, you can get hit with one £100 fine and 3 points even if your sat nav misdirected you or you missed one one way street sign.

If you find yourself going down a one-way street, the Highway Code says you can’t back your vehicle further than necessary. Instead, it’s best to stop and wait for a safe time to turn back and follow the right direction.