Motorists could face hefty fines and penalty points for breaking Highway Code rules such as running red lights or entering bus lanes when moving aside for emergency vehicles.
Drivers may believe standard traffic regulations can be disregarded when making way for emergency vehicles.
However, the truth is that without proper caution, you could face a penalty of up to £1,000 for violating the law.
The Highway Code clearly states that motorists must yield to vehicles displaying flashing lights, including police cars, fire engines, ambulances and emergency doctors.
Yet if, for instance, you inadvertently enter a bus lane or pass through a red light whilst doing so – you risk being hit with a substantial fine. The same applies to entering a yellow box junction.
Beyond the financial penalty, certain violations, such as jumping a red light, can also result in three penalty points being added to your licence.
The Highway Code’s guidance states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens, or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.”
The code advises you should halt before reaching the brow of a hill.
Additionally, you should never mount the pavement, avoid putting others at risk and refrain from braking sharply.
Earlier this month, we examined some other unexpected driving regulations that motorists can easily breach.
These included unnecessarily sounding your horn, which can result in a £30 fine. Your car’s horn is intended solely for alerting other drivers or signalling your presence.
It’s not permissible to honk your horn without reason, even if you’re feeling stressed or succumbing to road rage. It can distract other drivers and potentially cause accidents.
You could also face a £60 fine for failing to clear snow and ice from your vehicle. Your windscreen, lights and number plate must all be free of both.
Parking on the pavement in London is illegal and could result in a £70 fine. However, it’s permitted elsewhere in the country if signage allows it.
Another rule to bear in mind pertains to night-time parking. You cannot park against the flow of traffic at night unless you’re in a designated parking space.
Violating this rule could cost you £1,000.
Here’s one that might surprise you – driving through a puddle and splashing a pedestrian could earn you a hefty fine of £5,000. You may also receive 6-9 points on your licence.
