Drivers risk unlimited fine for honking their horn in anger

Even experienced drivers could breach the five lesser-known rules of the road – and it could be costly.

Some of the surprising driving offences could land UK motorists with unlimited fines and points on their licence.

The Highway Code covers behaviours that most drivers would not think twice about such as using a phone to navigate without a holder or honking while stationary – but they could put them and others at risk.

Here are five little-known rules that could catch motorists off-guard.

Overtaking horses too quickly or loudly

This serious offence could be life-threatening and it carries an unlimited fine if drivers are caught doing it.

When encountering a horse – whether one with a rider or wild animals in places such as the New Forest – motorists should slow down to a maximum of 10mph and not honk their horn or rev the engine while passing.

As they pass, drivers should leave at least two metres of space.

Not doing so breaches the Highway Code rule 215 and it could result in an unlimited fine along with three to nine penalty points.

Honking a horn in anger or while stationary

It might be tempting to blare the horn in traffic to vent frustration – or even to greet a friend passing by.

But doing so could land you with a hefty, unlimited fine and up to nine penalty points.

Under Highway Code rule 112, drivers are only allowed to use the horn when the car is moving and to warn other road users of their presence.

Honking is also prohibited in a built-up area at night between 11.30pm and 7am unless another road user poses a danger.

Unrestrained dogs while driving

Bringing your four-legged friend along for the journey is legal – but they need to be suitably strapped in with a harness or in a carrier so that they don’t cause a distraction.

If the car breaks suddenly, loose pets could be injured or hurt others.

The penalty for unrestrained pets is a £1,000 fine and three points on the licence.

Arguing with passengers behind the wheel

You might have passed by a car with red-faced occupants clearly in the middle of a heated argument.

However, drivers are not allowed to do so as a row could be a distraction under rule 148 of the Highway Code which states that motorists must not ‘drive without due care and attention.’

If caught, argumentative drivers face a £1,000 and potentially three penalty points.

Using an unsecured phone to navigate

Reaching for the mobile phone or a sat-nav to quickly look for a direction breaks the law.

Drivers caught using a device – even to navigate – that is not properly secured in a holder could be slapped with six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

This is because drivers holding a device that is not secured will not have a full view of the road.

The motoring expert AA said road safety is ‘not just about common offences like speeding or running a red light’ but also understanding and following the regulations ‘can significantly enhance your driving experience and keep you and others safe on the road.’

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