Drivers risk an unlimited fine under the Road Traffic Code for honking in anger | UK news

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

Some of the shocking driving offenses could see UK drivers paying fines and unlimited points on their licence.

The Highway Code covers behavior that most drivers wouldn’t think twice about, such as using a phone to navigate without support or honking while stationary, but could put themselves and others at risk.

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

Overtaking horses too fast or hard

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

When encountering a horse, whether a rider or wildlife in places like the New Forest, motorists should slow down to a maximum of 10mph and not honk or rev their engines as they pass.

When passing, drivers must leave at least two meters of space.

Failure to do so breaks Highway Code rule 215 and could result in an unlimited fine along with three to nine penalty points.

Blowing a horn in anger or while stationary

It can be tempting to honk your horn in traffic to vent your frustration, or even wave to a passing friend.

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

According to rule 112 of the Highway Code, drivers can only use the horn when the car is in motion and warn other road users of their presence.

It is also forbidden to blow the horn in a built-up area at night between 11.30pm and 7am, unless another road user presents a danger.

Dogs unrestricted while driving

Bringing your four-legged friend on the trip is legal, but they must be properly harnessed or in a carrier so they don’t cause a distraction.

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

The penalty for unrestricted pets is a £1,000 fine and three license points.

Argue with passengers behind the wheel

You may have driven past a car with clearly red-faced occupants in the middle of a heated argument.

However, drivers cannot do this as a queue could be a distraction under Highway Code rule 148, which states that drivers must not “drive without due care and attention”.

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

An unsecured phone is used to browse

Reaching for your mobile phone or sat nav to quickly look up an address is breaking the law.

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

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

Motoring expert AA said road safety is “not just about common offenses such as speeding or running a red light”, but also understanding and following the regulations “can significantly improve your driving experience and stay safe on the road.”

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