Let’s start with a bit of context. In the 12 months prior to June, 4,290 pedestrians and 4,700 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on UK roads. The new rules are an opportunity to reduce this figure significantly and prioritise the safety of the most vulnerable road users.

Although the list of changes seems intimidatingly long at first glance, the new rules are both easy to teach for driving instructors and easy to understand for new drivers. At RED we are already incorporating these new rules into our driving lessons and are confident that our students will find them easy to follow.

New drivers often have more recent experience of being a vulnerable road user themselves – either as a pedestrian and/or a cyclist – meaning they often appreciate the need for these changes and as a result are more likely to adopt them.

The potential for difficulty will be getting experienced drivers to follow the new rules as we know it’s tricky to change engrained habits, but by always thinking about Rule H1, the hierarchy of road users, these new rules are easy to remember.

RULE H1: A hierarchy of road users

By all members of the hierarchy looking out for those above them, the Department for Transport aims to create a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use. The hierarchy is as follows: 

1. Pedestrians
2. Cyclists
3. Horse riders
4. Motorcyclists
5. Cars/taxis
6. Vans/minibuses
7. Large passenger vehicles/HGVs

RULE H2: At a junction, vehicles no longer have priority

Drivers, cyclists and horse riders should now give way to pedestrians crossing, or waiting to cross, a road that you may be waiting to turn into.

RULE H3: Cyclists have right of way

Drivers and motorcyclists are not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction, or when changing direction or lane. From now on, drivers are meant to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are both near a junction and/or near stationary or slow-moving traffic.

As part of our continued work to ensure safety on the road, we recommend that all experienced drivers take refresher courses to learn any new rules and re-engage with best practice driving. It’s also integral that company car drivers are aware of the changes. At RED, we offer such training to experienced drivers and a range of business services to reduce the road risk of company car, van or goods vehicle drivers.

In light of the changes, the DVSA has reminded their driving test examiners that it will take time for all road users to adapt to the changes, but at RED we are already training our students to these new rules. You can find more detail on these changes over on the Gov website here.

The post Changes to the Highway Code: what to look out for and why they’re a good thing for our vulnerable road users appeared first on RED Driving School.

An MOT is an annual vehicle check set out by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). It ensures vehicles are roadworthy, safe and meet environmental and exhaust emissions standards. It is obligatory for your car to have its first MOT three years after being first registered, and then on a yearly basis. Prior to this, there is no legal obligation to undergo testing. There are a few exceptions to the requirements of needing an MOT, such as cars over 40 years old, but even “classics” must still be maintained in a roadworthy condition if driven.

A service is a vehicle inspection based on guidelines set out by your vehicle manufacturer rather than the DVSA; it keeps your car in a reliable, safe, and fully-functioning condition. You should follow the service intervals recommended by the car manufacturer as a minimum. In some ways an MOT test and service are quite similar and both include checks such as tyres, brakes, and seatbelts. However, a service is more comprehensive in that it covers the vehicle health and preventative maintenance – things like oil and filter changes – not just the ‘safety-critical’ aspects of your vehicle.

Over two thirds (67%) of our customers go out and buy a car three months after they pass their test, and many will opt for second hand. This often means the car will need to have an MOT within 12 months of purchase, so we’ve pulled together a handy beginner’s guide in partnership with our friends at Michelin and Kwik Fit, to help you understand the rules and regulations for MOTs.

If your vehicle fails its MOT test it means it is deemed not fit for the road and cannot be driven further. You can receive a fine of up to £2,500 for driving without a valid MOT. Penalties can also include points on your licence or a driving disqualification in more severe cases. Whilst the financial costs can be steep, they are nothing compared to the risks of the safety of you, your passengers and other drivers.

How do you avoid failing an MOT?

During an MOT, a car is tested on a wide range of safety aspects including vehicle identification number, windscreen, seatbelts, emissions, mirrors and brakes.  

You can find additional information about each of these components as well as other aspects of the MOT test on the GOV.UK website. 

Whilst they might appear obvious, there are some pitfalls that are vital to watch out for before sending your car off for an MOT, some of which we have detailed below. 

Lighting and signalling

Just under one fifth of cars fail their MOT because of an issue with their lights. Often, this will be as simple as a blown bulb.  Some people retro-fit their halogen headlamps with LED bulbs to improve the brightness, but this is now grounds for an MOT fail. Make sure that you check your lights before getting your car tested – switch all your lights on and walk around your car to check they’re in working order.

Tyres

A car can have every safety system known to man, but if the tyres aren’t up to scratch, this is all irrelevant.  It is vital to check tread depth, ideally with a tyre tread depth gauge. Don’t have one to hand? This can be done by inserting a 20p coin into the grooves on the tyre. If your tyres are within the legal limit then you should not be able to see the outer band of the coin and if you can, get them checked out and changed prior to your MOT. If this is the case, we recommend our partner Michelin for new tyres you can trust.

Issues affecting a driver’s view of the road

Unsurprisingly, a clear view of the road is vital for safe driving. The view can be obstructed by items such as sat-navs or air fresheners, or cracks and chips within the driver’s eye-line. 

Finally, book your test as soon as possible instead of leaving it till the last minute. Booking an MOT even a day late can mean your car is then only legal to drive to a test centre for an MOT.

If after reading this you’ve realised that your car is in need of an MOT, book one with Kwik-Fit. They only take an average of 45-60 minutes, and with over 600 MOT test centres throughout the UK, the majority of which are open 7 days a week, it’s no surprise they are the UK’s number 1 MOT tester. 

Remember, if you fail your MOT, you can’t drive away. Top tip… it’s best not to leave an MOT until the day before it’s due. Take your car in two weeks before the expiry date to give yourself time to fix it if needed.

The post A Beginners Guide to MOT appeared first on RED Driving School.

Car tyre labels are required by a regulation that was introduced by the EU in 2012 to offer more information to consumers on tyre safety, reduce the impact tyres have on the environment and to promote road safety. The legislation was designed to make it easier for motorists to compare the characteristics of different tyres. After 10 years, the regulation is evolving to keep pace with technology and drive tyre development.

From 1^st May 2021, for every tyre sold in Europe, tyre manufacturers must specify the performance of their tyres against revised classifications of fuel efficiency, wet grip, external rolling noise and whether tyres meet specific test standards for severe snow conditions and grip on ice.

Similar in style to energy labels for white goods, tyre labels provide comparable information about a tyre, regardless of the brand or tread pattern. By using clear diagrams, the new tyre labels allow motorists to make informed choices when buying tyres, ranked on a scale from A (best) to E (worst) – a partial rescaling from those previously displayed, where rankings ran from A to G.

Certain types of tyre, such as T-type temporary use tyres, professional off-road tyres, racing tyres, and tyres designed specifically for cars registered before October 1990 are excluded from this regulation.

Tyre labels explained

Fuel economy

Tyre labelling for fuel economy ranges from A to E. Tyres with the best fuel economy have a green A rating. Tyres with the worst miles per gallon (mpg) have a red E rating, and savings are usually calculated over the life of a set of four tyres, or equivalent distance.

For every five tanks of fuel, one is consumed for tyres. With each rotation of the wheel, a tyre is deformed when it comes into contact with the road. As its structure is deformed, the tyre heats up and some of the energy is lost. Reducing this heat build-up makes it possible to lower fuel consumption and in turn decreases greenhouse gas emissions. For a vehicle driving 40,000km / (24,855 miles equivalent)  consuming 150 litres of fuel, there is a 217.50 Euros (£186.31) reduction in fuel costs for a vehicle fitted with A-rated tyre compared with one equipped with E-rated tyres ^(1).

Even within each grade, there are significant differences between tyres.  For example, the Michelin ePrimacy tyre is an eco-responsible summer tyre for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. Michelin ePrimacy tyres have the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in their category and long-lasting safety, from the first mile to the last.

• Based 1.45€ per litre (Source: avg Ron 95 Unleaded price in UK https://www.drive-alive.co.uk/fuel_prices_europe.html on 12 May 2021). Euros to Sterling conversion rate of 1 Euro = 0.8566p, Bank of England 12 May 2021. The effect may change depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. Performance measured in accordance with the test method set in the regulation UN ECE R117.

Wet grip

Tyre labelling for wet grip ranges from A to E. It uses a gradient colour scale to depict stopping distances in rainy weather: tyres with the shortest stopping distances have an A rating and tyres with longer stopping distances have an E rating.

On average, there is a 9m reduction in braking distance for a vehicle travelling at 50 mph  and equipped with A-rated tyres compared with one fitted with D-rated tyres ^(2).

• Performance of braking from 80 km/h (50mph equivalent) to 20 km/h (12mph equivalent), measured in accordance with the test method set in the regulation UN ECE R117.

Noise

The tyre label for noise uses a tyre diagram with sound wave bars. The overall decibel rating will also be provided, as well as a letter ranking from A to C.

For a vehicle moving at a constant speed of 50 mph, the noise generated by the tyre rolling on the road is generally superior to engine noise. Rolling noise depends on the type of tyres as well as on the road surface. An A-rate tyre is half as noisy as a B-rated tyre^(3).

• Noise is measured on a vehicle travelling at 80 km/h (50mph equivalent) with the engine switched off, measured in accordance with the test method set in the regulation UN ECE R117.

New additions

There may also be icons on the tyre label depicting whether the tyre meets specific standards for use in severe snow conditions, or ice.

Being tyre-savvy can help keep you safe on the road and reduce fuel costs. Make sure you’re up to scratch with tyre-labelling regulation changes so you know what you’re looking for! Our partner, Michelin, has a strong reputation for tyre safety. The Manufacturer makes sure its tyres are engineered to high quality standards and that they are thoroughly proven in repeatable tests on track and then in extensive road testing. Importantly, product quality control is also a key focus.

We also work closely with Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading fast-fit supplier of tyres. Every Kwik Fit centre nationwide offers a free no obligation tyre check and trained technicians will carry out a thorough inspection of all your tyres for free. If you’d like to learn more about checking your tyres, their website includes a variety of resources on maintaining correct tyre pressure, checking tread depth and looking for signs of tyre damage. All the information is also included on their website where you can get all the tyre help you need to help you maintain your tyres in a safe condition!

The post Tyre labelling: what you should know about recent changes to regulation appeared first on RED Driving School.

Parking on pavement – is it illegal?

To sum it up simply, parking on the pavement outside of London is not illegal, but parking on the pavement in London is illegal. However, you can still incur a fine for parking on the pavement when outside of London despite it not being illegal, which makes the law quite a grey area.

The Highway Code states in rule 244 that drivers “MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.” This is relatively self-explanatory, but can become a little more confusing when taking into account the phrases ‘must not’ and ‘should not’.

Rule 244 states that drivers must not park on the pavement in London. This indicates that there is legislation behind this rule and if you break it, you could be liable to receive a fine. However, the rule also states that drivers should not park on the pavement elsewhere (not in London). The use of ‘should not’ here indicates that there is not legislation behind this rule and therefore, you should not be liable to receive a fine for doing so.

However, with this being said, there’s another rule to take into account.

Rule 242 of The Highway Code states that “You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or anywhere it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.” This makes parking on the road instead of the pavement a little more difficult and is something to also think about. If your car is judged to be either in a dangerous position or causing an unnecessary obstruction of the road by a police officer, you could be liable to receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Why is this a rule?

Parking on the pavement can cause arguments between drivers and pedestrians. Drivers argue that parking on the pavement allows room for general traffic to pass and more importantly, emergency vehicles. However, pedestrians argue that parking on the pavement can cause inconvenience to pedestrians walking past, specifically the elderly and disabled who have mobility issues.

This rule therefore attempts to combat such arguments, allowing for pedestrians to use pavement and sidewalks without any obstructions. However, this then could directly impact Rule 242 of The Highway Code, as cars parked on the road could be causing obstructions so therefore, this has become a grey area.

Is this rule likely to be changed?

The Department for Transport is considering a major overhaul, with new laws to prevent cars from parking on the pavement. 

In March, the Department for Transport’s chief minister released a statement reiterating the government’s stance on pavement parking, saying that “vehicles parked on the pavement can cause very real difficulties for many pedestrians.”

It’s therefore possible that we could see these rules being changed, with some speculation believing that a blanket ban for parking on the pavement could be issued. However, no details have yet been announced, so the rules that we covered above still currently stand.

Hopefully this has cleared up any confusion you may have had around this law. If you’re interested in reading some more regarding parking laws, check out our article Parking on yellow lines – what you can and can’t do.

The post Is parking on the pavement illegal? The truth explained appeared first on RED Driving School.

“Avoid” undertaking

People often get confused whether undertaking is a driving offence or not. It’s definitely something that is frowned upon and advised against, but is it actually going to lead to a conviction?

According to rule 268 of The Highway Code “Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake”. However despite this, it’s not actually a punishable offence. The Highway Code also states that you may pass on the left “In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds” and that in these conditions you should not weave in and out of lanes to overtake. It is also permissible to pass on the left when a vehicle is waiting to turn right and there is room for you to safely pass on the left. 

So undertaking (passing on the left) isn’t actually a punishable offence, but is advised against, apart from in certain situations. However, if you do undertake and this is seen as careless driving or driving without due care or attention, you could end up receiving a penalty.

Flashing headlights

There seems to be a fair amount of confusion around this one, as many drivers flash their headlights to say thanks for being let past another driver, or to make other drivers aware of a speed camera or accident that may be ahead.

As per rule 110 of The Highway Code, it is prohibited for drivers to flash their headlights for any reasons other than notifying another driver that they’re there. If you choose to flash your headlights to notify other drivers of a speed trap or any of the reasons above, you can be liable to receive a fine of up to £1,000.

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll end up getting fined for flashing your lights to thank a driver for letting you pass, it’s definitely worth thinking about in case you end up with a £1,000 fine!

Eating or drinking whilst driving

Are drivers allowed to eat or drink whilst driving? Many would think that snacking out behind the wheel would be a distraction whilst driving, but when doing a long drive it would seem unfair to prohibit drivers from having anything to eat or drink.

The Highway Code states in rule 148 that “Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding”. Alongside arguing with your passengers, trying to read maps and listening to overly loud music, eating and drinking is also counted as a distraction.

Despite this, you can’t actually receive a penalty for eating or drinking whilst driving. However, eating or drinking whilst driving may cause you to drive carelessly and if the police deem it so, you can be liable to an on-the-spot £100 fine and 3 points on your licence. So if you do decide to have a snack or drink whilst driving, make sure you’re still paying full attention to the road!

Double white lines – overtaking cyclists

It can be quite confusing figuring out whether or not you can overtake cyclists. As we know, overtaking cars is prohibited, when requiring the driver to cross double white lines where the line nearest to you is solid. But does the same rule apply to overtaking cyclists? It would seem unreasonable to be unable to overtake cyclists moving at 10mph or lower. 

Rule 129 of The Highway Code states that you cannot cross or straddle double white lines where the line nearest you is solid, but this also includes exceptions to the rule which states “You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.”

So, if you do ever find yourself in that situation, it’s perfectly fine for you to cross those double white lines in order to overtake the cyclists. Subject to them travelling at 10 mph or less. Just make sure that you give them as much room as you would if overtaking a car!

Always give priority to buses

The Highway Code states in rule 223 that you should give priority to buses, coaches and trams, especially when they’re signaling to pull away from stops. These are just guidelines and giving buses priority is not actually a legal requirement. Buses, coaches and trams must indicate and wait for traffic before pulling out just like the rest of us.

However, there are reasons to do this despite it not being a legal requirement. Not only is it courteous to slow down and leave a safe distance as soon as you see a bus or coach signal, it also avoids confusion and the possibility of a large vehicle pulling into your path.

Hopefully this has helped clear up any confusion you may have had around some of these rules, or perhaps you’ve just learnt something new! If you’re interested in reading more about driving laws and rules, check out our article 10 times you didn’t know you were committing a driving offence.

The post The top 5 Highway Code rules that leave drivers confused appeared first on RED Driving School.

Single yellow line parking

Single yellow line rules state that drivers are allowed to park on them, but only during certain time periods. There is no universal time period for parking on yellow lines and this is where some drivers may end up confused on the rules.

Each street and town can operate differently, having different time periods and limits than others. Whereas most restrictions apply during peak hours or on weekdays, you’ll be able to find out the exact limits by looking for signs at the kerbside. In some controlled parking areas, there won’t be signs on each street, but simply at the start of the area. So if you’re having trouble finding a sign on the street, it’s likely there will be on at the start of the zone.

It’s also worth noting that if the sign doesn’t display what days of the week the restrictions apply, they’ll be active on the same time each day of the week.

Double yellow line parking

Parking or waiting on double yellow lines is generally prohibited. As per section 238-252 of The Highway Code “Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs”.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some areas may have special exceptions to this rule which allow for parking or waiting on double yellow lines, within that area, for a period of time. These will be displayed clearly by signs in that area. If you can’t see any signs suggesting you can park there, it’s best to assume that it’s prohibited.

Another exception to this rule is for disabled badge holders. If you are a disabled badge holder, you’ll be entitled to park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours so long as your vehicle is not causing an obstruction (within Scotland there is no time limit). 

You’ll also be able to park on double yellows (and single) briefly when loading or unloading heavy or large items. There are also restrictions around whether or not you can do this which are marked by yellow dashes on the kerb, so we’ll quickly cover that now.

Loading restrictions

Even in areas where there are no single or double yellow lines present, there can be loading restrictions. Similar to the rules for single and double yellow lines, If you can see two yellow dashes running down the kerb then loading is prohibited in that area. If you can see one single yellow dash running down the kerb then there are loading restrictions in place and there will be signs indicating what time loading can occur.

Red lines

Red lines work in the same way as yellow, having single and double. But there are some small differences between the two. Red lines are currently only used in specific areas of the UK such as London, Edinburgh and the West Midlands, but are likely to appear in other locations in the future.

Double red lines – You cannot stop at all unless you are a blue badge holder or a licensed taxi, who are entitled to drop people off or pick them up. There is no parking allowed.

Single red lines – You cannot stop during the day and between the times shown on the upright sign.

The main difference to take note of between red and yellow lines is that red lines prohibit any form of waiting or parking, and restrictions apply around stopping to drop off passengers. Whereas yellow lines allow you to stop to drop off, but have restrictions for waiting or parking.

Hopefully that’s helped clear up any confusion around road markings you may have had, and you now know your rights around stopping, waiting and parking in these areas. If you’re interested in reading some more about your parking rights and restrictions, check out our article on parking across driveways.

The post Parking on yellow lines – what you can and can’t do appeared first on RED Driving School.

1. If I get caught speeding, I can avoid getting points by requesting to take a speed awareness course.

This is very much false. There are criteria for being able to take a speed awareness course and you’re not able to request that you take the course, it’s completely down to whether this gets offered to you.

In order to be eligible for a speed awareness course, you have to match the following criteria:

• You haven’t been convicted of any other speeding offences in the past 3 years.
• You’ve been caught driving over 10% plus 2mph over the limit, but below 10% plus 9mph (can be dependent on the individual Police force).

So, generally speaking, this is usually only an option offered to you if it’s a lesser offence (only driving slightly over the speed limit) and you have a relatively clean record. Try not to end up speeding and you won’t have to do a course, or get points on your licence. 

2. You have to be speeding at least 10% over the limit plus 2mph to get caught.

This has some truth to it, but in terms of technicality – this is false. In simple terms, if the speed limit is 50 mph and you’re driving at 51 mph, you’re breaking the speed limit and are therefore liable to receive the punishment for speeding.

With this being said, the 10% rule isn’t actually a “rule” and acts more as a guideline for police forces to aid their decision on the severity of the offence and what punishment would be suitable, whether that’s a speed awareness course, speeding fine or court summons.

It’s likely that a police officer won’t stop you and issue a speeding fine for going over the limit by 1mph.

3. I can’t be charged because the speed camera van wasn’t visible.

This used to be true, but unfortunately the laws around it were scrapped and it’s now no longer applicable. Police are able to set up their speed cameras in unmarked cars and have even been noted to be operating in tractors or horseboxes.

Under old laws, police operating speed cameras would have to be wearing high-vis clothing and use marked police cars. But with these laws scrapped, you’ll be able to pick up a speeding fine from an officer hiding out in undercover cars or as previously seen, even a tractor. So don’t risk it, and follow the law by driving within the speed limit.

4. There were no signs warning me of the upcoming speed camera and the speed camera wasn’t painted yellow.

Although speed cameras were to be painted yellow to make them more visible back in 2016, speed cameras don’t have to be visible and if you get caught by one that isn’t visible, that doesn’t mean that your speeding fine is going to be invalid. This also applies to speed camera warning signs.

Although the vast majority of speed cameras are visible and have signs warning you of them. If you end up getting caught by one that wasn’t sign posted or particularly visible, you won’t get left off the hook.

5. Speed cameras are just there to make money.

It might feel like speed cameras are just implemented to grab money, especially with police hiding out in unmarked cars to catch you speeding when you least expect it. But really they’re mainly just used as a deterrent and to make the roads safer.

No matter how good a driver you are, the faster that you’re driving, the higher the chance of losing control of your vehicle and the harder it becomes to react to situations and stop. Speed limits are implemented to protect both the driver and others, speed cameras are how they enforce these limits.

Hopefully this has helped you clear up any confusion around these speeding myths and if you’re interested in finding out more about speeding and speed limits, check out our article 5 times you didn’t know you were breaking the speed limit.

The post Speeding fines – the 5 most common speeding myths appeared first on RED Driving School.

Lane splitting or filtering

Cyclists have the right to undertake and overtake cars in order to make faster progress through traffic. This is perfectly legal and is called ‘lane splitting’ or ‘filtering’.

Section 211 of The Highway Code advises that road users should be aware of others filtering through traffic, however, this also mentions that cyclists should avoid filtering in situations where they may come into issues with other road users such as on the approach to a junction.

Overtaking on the right is generally safer than undertaking on the left in most circumstances. However, undertaking on the left can be carried out when traffic is stationary or moving very slowly.

Bikes must be fitted with working brakes and reflectors

Although this may sound like common sense, many are unaware that this is actually a law. A bicycle must legally have reflectors and working brakes installed when used on the road. Cyclists are also required by law to have working front and rear lights if intending to ride at night.

Overtaking cyclists

Drivers are now required to leave enough space for cyclists when they overtake them. The Highway Code states that there must be 1.5 meters between a car and a cyclist, which is about the width of a car door.

If motorists don’t maintain the 1.5 metre distance rule between themselves and cyclists, they can be subject to a fine of up to £100. This is something that police forces are encouraged to enforce and will often be on the lookout for this offence being committed.

Find out here how to safely overtake cyclists as a motorist.

Cycling two abreast

Cycling side-by-side is actually perfectly legal, and it can even work in motorists’ favour when trying to overtake. If a group of cyclists are riding together side-by-side, overtaking them is faster and easier than having to overtake cyclists that are single file. This can also be safer for the cyclists, as they will be more visible to motorists and any cars that wish to overtake will have to do so in a safer manner.

However with that being said, The Highway Code recommends cycling in single file if the road is narrow or busy, or when cycling around a bend, and also states that cyclists can not ride more than two abreast.

Cycling in the middle of the lane

Although it may be something that frustrates motorists, cyclists are entitled to use the full width of the lane in the same way as everyone else. Generally, this is done when cyclists are riding in cities and towns. This is to avoid the chance of a motorist opening their car door and knocking the cyclist.

Cyclists may also choose to ride in the centre of the road to avoid drains or potholes that could cause them to get knocked off of their bike.

Bike lanes

As it states in the name, bike lanes are for the usage of cyclists, however, cyclists have no obligation to actually use them. Often cyclists will opt to use a normal lane over the bike lane due to poor design, and that’s completely fine. But regardless of whether the cycle lane is currently in use by a cyclist, motorists must not drive or park in a cycle lane during its hours of operation.

Hopefully, this has cleared up some questions surrounding laws for cyclists and what rights they have out on the road.

The post Cycling on the road – The rights that you didn’t know cyclists have appeared first on RED Driving School.

The rules on parking across a driveway

So is it illegal to park across a driveway if there’s a dropped kerb? Not necessarily. I know, probably
not the straightforward yes or no answer you were looking for right?

But like most things, this comes down to the way in which the Highway Code is written, which is why
its really important to firstly understand this basic principle when interpreting the Highway Code
rules.

Many of the rules in the ‘Code’ are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are
committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, or even be
disqualified from driving. Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’
Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be
prosecuted,’ The Highway Code’ may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic
Acts.

Considering this, and whilst Highway Code Rule 243 clearly says; “DO NOT stop or park ‘in front of an
entrance to a property’” this is not subsequently backed up with any law, so no it may not be illegal
for someone to park across your driveaway.

However, all that changes if either of the following applies to a given situation of a vehicle parked
across a dropped kerb driveway.

• On a street that has some form of parking restrictions in place, then the parked vehicle may
  be in contravention of various traffic laws, either enforced by the local authority or in certain
  cases, by the Police.
  
• If the vehicle is parked in such a way as to be considered to breach Highway Code Rule 242
  which states “You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it
  causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road. The specific laws this relates to are covered
  by the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 22 &/or Road Vehicles (Construction & Use)
  Regulations 1986, regulation 103.

There is a legal loophole we think everyone needs to be aware of, parking on someone else’s
driveway isn’t against the law!

This is due to the driveway being private land and therefore is a civil issue that the police and council
do not deal with. The council, however, are required to remove abandoned vehicles from private
and public property. But unless the vehicle isn’t taxed, insured or doesn’t have a valid MOT, it’s
unlikely that the council will touch it and will place the issue at the bottom of their priority list.
Luckily it’s very unlikely that this sort of thing happens, so hopefully, it’s not something you’ll ever
have to deal with.

Areas where you must not park

Here are some areas that you must not park in:

• On school entrance markings
• On a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines
• In marked taxi bays
• In a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
• On red lines
• In spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes (unless entitled to do so)

In addition, you should not stop or park in any of the following places except when forced to do so by stationary traffic:

• Anywhere that would prevent access for Emergency Services
• At or near a bus/tram stop
• Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction

Generally speaking, if you can see zig-zag lines, red or double yellow lines, then you can’t park there.

Hopefully, you’re now aware of your parking rights on and around private properties and know what you can do if there’s someone else’s car on your drive!

The post Is parking across a driveway illegal? The definitive answer appeared first on RED Driving School.

However, there are some that aren’t as well known that you could be committing without even realising. Here at 10 driving offences that you might have been completely unaware of.

1. Paying with your phone at a drive-through

How could paying with your phone at a drive-through possibly be an offence? Well technically you’re using your phone whilst driving, and there’s been a real crackdown on mobile phone usage behind the wheel. So if you need to pay with your phone, turn your engine off and apply your handbrake!

2. Flashing your lights to give way

The flashing of headlights is allowed, but only for the purpose of letting another driver know of their presence. Therefore flashing your headlights to give way is technically an offence and can lead to a minimum fine of £30.

3. Splashing a pedestrian with rainwater

Splashing a pedestrian with rainwater as you drive past is actually a driving offence. It is illegal to drive “without reasonable consideration for other persons”, including “driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed” as per the Road Traffic Act 1988. So be careful the next time you’re driving past pedestrians on a rainy day or you could land yourself a fine of up to £5,000.

4. Using your mobile phone as a sat nav in an unfixed position

Many drivers now use their mobile phones as sat navs whilst driving, but this can actually be illegal and lead to a £200 fine and 6 points on your license as per mobile phone laws. In order to avoid this, your mobile phone must be fixed to your windscreen or dashboard, in clear sight as you drive.

5. Dirty number plate

This is one that catches out a lot of drivers and can be easily prevented. It’s required that your registration plate is visible at all times, so if your plate is dirty and preventing just one digit from being clearly visible, you can be given a fine of up to £1,000. Check your number plates are clean before you set off to make sure you don’t get caught out by this one!

6. Parking on the wrong side of the road at night

You can not park on a road at night with your car facing against the direction of traffic as per rule 248 of the Highway Code. This is due to the risk of dazzling other drivers with your headlights as you park and leave as well as your rear light reflectors being covered when you leave your car.

7. Towing an uninsured vehicle

Driving an uninsured vehicle is an offence that’s widely known by motorists, but what about towing an uninsured vehicle? As you may have guessed, towing an uninsured vehicle is also a driving offence. Just because the vehicle is broken down, it doesn’t stop being a vehicle that needs to be insured.

8. Using the horn between 11.30pm and 7am in a built-up area

Although many of us probably think of this as general etiquette to not disturb people whilst they’re sleeping, it’s actually a driving offence. Whilst unlikely to be charged by a police officer if caught, it’s still technically a driving offence that you should be aware of.

9. Picking children up outside of school

Parking too close to a school or anywhere that can prevent access for emergency services is stated as a driving offence by rule 243 of the Highway Code. The areas that are parking restricted are usually indicated with yellow zig-zag lines, so use these as a guide.

10. Sleeping in your car after a few drinks

If you’ve had a drink, you’re quite right in not attempting to drive home. But if you thought that sleeping in your car was a good alternative, it’ll open you up to receiving a drunk in charge fine. Even being in the backseat with your keys out of the ignition, you can be fined for being ‘in charge’ of a vehicle whilst inebriated.

It’s unusual to see fines and penalties for any of the above but not impossible, so better to be safe than sorry, right!

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