From eating behind the wheel to driving barefoot, there are plenty of misconceptions around what will and will not land motorists in trouble with the law.
With so many enduring myths that generations of drivers have grown up believing, it can sometimes be tricky to separate fact from fiction regarding the rules of the road.
The car insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have debunked some of the most popular motoring myths to help drivers avoid unnecessary fines or penalty points. From dirty cars to loud music, the experts unveil the top dos and don’ts to help motorists stay on the right side of the law.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, said: “There are lots of motoring myths that have been around for years and persist to this day, making it a challenge to know which of them hold any truth. We have looked into some of the most well-known tales to give drivers the answers they need to avoid a fine.
“Motorists should remember that while the Highway Code is not considered a legal document, much of it is underpinned by UK legislation, meaning breaking certain rules is a criminal offence.
“Failure to know the rules of the road can cause drivers to get hit with hefty fines and penalty points on their licence, which could affect the insurance premium. Therefore, all drivers must regularly familiarise themselves with the Highway Code and be aware of these unusual offences.”
1. Can I Drive With the Interior Light On?
Many parents will undoubtedly have chastised their children at some point for turning on the interior car light, warning that it will draw the ire of the police. As it turns out, there is no law against driving with your interior light on, and the Highway Code makes no specific mention of it. However, Rule 114 of the Highway Code does warn against using any lights in a way that could dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users.
So, while it is not illegal to use the interior light while driving, switching it on only when necessary could help to avoid impairing your view of the road or distracting other drivers.
2. Can I Eat or Drink Behind the Wheel?
While it is not technically illegal to eat or drink when driving, doing so could still see you hit with a fine. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that “safe driving and riding needs concentration” and advises drivers to avoid distractions such as eating or drinking. If police determine that eating or drinking behind the wheel has caused you to become distracted and lose control of your vehicle, you could be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving – which carries a fine of up to £5000 and up to 9 penalty points.
3. Can I Drive While Wearing Slippers, Flip/Flops, Heels, or Even Barefoot?
Again, no law states that you must wear a specific type of footwear while driving. However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code clarifies that you should have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you from correctly using the controls”. Furthermore, the regulatory body for UK driving tests, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, advises against driving barefoot as motorists “don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as (they) do with shoes on”.
While it is not illegal to drive barefoot, wearing sensible footwear could help you operate the controls safely and stay on the right side of the law.
4. Can I Flash My Lights to Signal to Other Drivers?
Flashing your headlights to signal other drivers may seem like a harmless and friendly way to communicate with them, but it could get you in trouble with the police.
According to Rule 110 of the Highway Code, headlights should only be flashed to alert other road users to your presence. Drivers caught using their headlights for signalling purposes, such as warning of speed cameras, could be charged with obstructing police and open themselves up to a fine of up to £1,000.
5. Can I Let My Dog Hang His Head Out the Window?
We all know our furry friends love a trip in the car, especially if they get to stick their head out the window and feel the wind on their face. However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code makes it clear that dogs and other pets must be “suitably restrained” to avoid distractions and prevent them from potentially injuring you or themselves in the event of a sudden stop.
If the dog is not restrained—either by way of a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard—and is found to have caused or contributed to a road accident, the driver could be fined heftily. Vets also advise against allowing dogs to stick their heads out of a moving vehicle as they risk being injured by flying debris, such as stones or insects.
6. Is It Illegal to Listen to Loud Music While Driving?
It is not an offence to listen to music while driving, but once again Rule 148 of the Highway Code warns that blasting music too loudly in the car can be distracting and could impact your ability to navigate the roads safely. For example, this could reduce your ability to hear emergency sirens or other drivers’ horns. Anyone playing loud music from a device in the car, including a mobile phone, may be deemed not to have proper control of their vehicle or not be driving with reasonable consideration for others.
7. Can I Be Fined for Driving a Dirty Car?
While it may be tempting to skip regular car washes, it is important to keep your car clean—particularly the windscreen, lights, and number plate—to avoid penalties. A dirty windscreen can obstruct your vision while driving, leaving you liable to penalties, while a poorly visible number plate is also an offence as it can prevent your vehicle from being easily identified by authorities.
The Highway Code advises that “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates must be kept clean and clear.” This is backed up in law by the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, which states that lights must be clean and in good working order. So, failing to keep your car clean could result in an on-the-spot fine of £50.