Drivers will be aware the obvious actions that could result in an infringement charge if you’re engaging in these things while driving such as using your mobile phone, driving intoxicated, or tailgating are a few of the most frequently committed offenses motorists are aware are unlawful.
But, there are a handful of situations that could get you in trouble under legal requirements that did not realise were unlawful. Parkland Motors has come up with the following list of violations of driving that you should be aware of when you travel in the future.
Ashley Johnson, Sales Manager at Parkland Motors, said: “We’re informing drivers about crimes that they may not realize are illegal, because they are quite easy to avoid. Drivers can face fines of up to a maximum of PS5,000 for certain of these offenses, making it vital to know the laws.
“Being penalized for something you did at the wheel that you didn’t realize could be illegal, is an scenario that no one would like to be caught in. Luckily, we’re here to help you understand some scenarios that could result in fines if you’re found guilty of them.”
1. You can use your phone as a navigation device when it’s not connected to the surface
We all rely on our smartphones for the maps feature in order to get us around especially in uncharted areas. But it is only recommended to use this feature if your phone is fixed to your dashboard or windscreen in a holder device so that you are able to clearly see it, and is not distracting you when driving. Ashley cautions you that if using your phone to do navigation on your lap, or in the center console between the passenger and driver’s seat for instance it might be fined that could be up to PS200 as well as six points to your driving licence.
2. A pedestrian is splashed with the Puddle
Speeding through a puddle an uncontrolled speed that results in that a pedestrian gets splashed by rain water will result in a PS100 , a fixed-penalty notice as well as 3 penalty points when police are notified because of speeding “without reasonable consideration for other persons.”
In the most extreme instances, reckless drivers who drive in a way which “amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience, and aggressiveness” could face fines up to up to PS5,000.
Ashley states: “To avoid this hefty penalty, slow down when you get close to the puddle to prevent a large splash for pedestrians who don’t know about it at the roadside. Moving around the puddle an option after you’ve checked your rearview mirrors and it’s legal to do so and, naturally.”
3. Making the horn sound to get rid of rage on the road
Many drivers are guilty sounding the horn of their car after getting caught at a roundabout, or finding themselves in the same spot as a driver who is driving 30 mph in a 60 mph zone, however, just because it’s a regular situation doesn’t mean that it’s a good thing. Anyone who sounded the horn in anger might be punished with PS30 or PS30. Parkland Motors is reminding people that the proper way to use to use a horn.
“The horn should only be sounded to alert other drivers of your presence”, Ashley says. Ashley, “and it should never be sounded between 11:30pm and 7:00am on a road with street lights and a speed limit of 30mph.”
4. Slow driving
Being too slow could be as hazardous as driving too speedy. Drivers who drive at a half speed limit right after a blind bend for example, could be pushed over the rear of by those traveling faster. While there is a that a minimum speed on the road that drivers must know about, it’s common sense not to drive in a manner that is so slow that it’s risky on the road for drivers around you.
Driving slow could be as high than nine points to your license as well as an unlimitable fine.
5. A dirty number plate
We all forget to clean our vehicles from time to occasion, but allowing it to go on until the dirt can render your licence plate virtually inaccessible is a criminal offense. The reason for this could be that it is accidental A dirty number plate is difficult to detect by police officers or automated identification of number plates (ANPR) cameras and are required to have.
Ashley states: “Now the bad weather season is here and it’s very easy for vehicles to get filthy quickly. We recommend that you check your license plate regularly and wiping it down when it’s difficult to read.
“The positive aspect of the five situations that you might be charged for is that they’re simple to avoid through being alert. Even in a situation that may appear minor, the risks are much greater and it’s essential to know the rules of the road regardless of how long you’ve driven for”.
