What do you do when another driver lets you pull in while changing lanes on the motorway or gives way to you?
Some will give a quick raised hand to say thanks. And many drivers hit the hazard lights button for a couple of seconds as a way of expressing gratitude to the other road user.
But many drivers are actually unaware that these ‘polite’ gestures are breaking the Highway Code and could see them hit with massive fines.
Last year a poll from private plate supplier Regtransfers revealed that a majority of British road users may be unaware that thanking other drivers could land them in hot water.
When another driver gives way, more than half (58.3 percent) of Brits said they would express gratitude with a quick wave or thumbs up, while one in ten (13.3 percent) said they’d flash their hazard lights and one in four (24.8 percent) said they would do either of these actions, according to the survey.
Depending on the circumstances, a quick wave or a thumbs up could be seen as temporarily removing your control of the vehicle – something covered by Rule 160 of the Highway Code, which states that road users should “drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible.”
And if you flash your hazard lights to say ‘thank you’ could see you landed with a £1,000 fine and a possible three penalty points on your licence. It is against Rule 116 which states that hazard warning lights should not be used while driving or being towed unless there’s a need to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway.
What is more, flashing your headlights to give way is also a breach of the code – Rule 110 which says motorists should “only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there”. This action also carries a possible £1,000 fine.
Motorists were recently warned that they could be hit with penalties of up to £5,000 for parking on their driveway for breaching the rules of the Highway Code.
The code says that you shouldn’t pull onto your driveway facing forwards. You should always reverse onto your driveway because of safety concerns.
Facing forwards ensures drivers don’t need to reverse out of their driveway and potentially risk the safety of pedestrians and other motorists.
The RAC said that drivers should be aware that while the Highway Code is not law, many rules are backed up by law and so have legal muscle behind them.
On it’s website it states: “Research suggests over three-quarters of UK drivers never return to the motoring bible after passing their test. Knowing the laws of the roads is vital for all who get behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
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