10 UK driving offences you've probably never heard of

There are more than 300 rules in The Highway Code so it’s almost impossible that road users will be able to remember every single one.

Vanarama have looked into driving offences that you’ve probably never heard of that could leave you with points on your license as well as a hefty fine.

1)Unlawful Pillion Riding

3 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

If you are carrying a passenger on a motorcycle it must be on a pillion seat fitted securely behind the driver. The pillion must be able to sit astride the seat with their feet on the footrests. If they are not able to do this or the motorbike is not fitted for a pillion then this is an offence.

2) Play Street Offences

2 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

When a vehicle is driven on a road that has been designated and sign posted for play, outside of the published times.

3) Night time parking

Up to £1000 fine

Rule 248 of the Highway Code states that at night, “a car must not be parked at the side of the road facing against the direction of traffic unless in a recognised parking space”.

4) Leaving your engine running

Up to £80 fine

Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which says that “you must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road”. You could face a fine of up to £20 under the Road Traffic Vehicle Emissions Regulations 2002 and up to £80 in London. However this is only applicable on public land and also does not include being stuck in traffic. 

5) Warning others of speed traps

Up to £1000 fine

Warning other drivers of police speed traps can land you with a £1000 fine for breaking section 89 of the Police Act 1996.

6) Leaving A Vehicle In A Dangerous Position

3 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

It’s an offence to leave a vehicle in a position on a road that could cause danger to other road users. Examples include parking on a blind bend or parking on a slope without your handbrake on.

7) Dirty Number Plates

Up to 9 points

Up to £1000 fine

If you allow dirt to build up on your number plates to the point it is obscured then you could face up to £1000 fine. It’s important that registration plates are readable as they inform police when and where a vehicle was registered and to be registered by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

8) Refusing To Submit An Eyesight Test

3 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

Under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 police officers can ask you to submit an eyesight test. If the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you have been driving while your eyesight is such that you could not pass the test.

9) Driving With Frosted Windows

3 to 9 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

Up to £200 fine

Rule 229 of the Highway Code dictates that drivers must make sure they can see out of all windows before starting any journey. Failure to comply could lead to a fine of up to £200 and points on your license under the banner of careless driving.

10) Driving With Unrestrained Pets

3 to 9 points

Remains on driving record for 4 years from the date of offence

Up to £200 fine

With pet sales booming during lockdown, there will be many first time pet owners who may not know the rules when driving with pets. By driving with unrestrained pet’s car drivers are putting themselves at risk of distractions which could cause accidents. If police catch you driving with an unrestrained pet, they are likely to claim you are driving without due care and attention. This can result in a fine of up to £200 and points on your license.