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5 Driving Laws You Should Be Aware Of

The complex nature of the law makes it hard for the average motorist to know and understand all driving legislation that has ever, or will ever be enacted. It’s important to be aware of the following 5 driving laws as a motorist, but if you aren’t yet, you will be after reading!

• Driving or been in charge of a vehicle whist under the influence of alcohol

It would be astonishing if a motorist didn’t know this already, however more surprising events have occurred. This is outline in the Road Traffic Act of 1988 under section 4, and states that it is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, and drive a mechanically propelled vehicle, as to which a car, bike or van would fall under. It is a pretty basic law which all drivers should know as a result of its huge media coverage.

• Restrictions on seatbelts for children

There is some confusion with this law; however the bottom line is that you, as a driver, are responsible for any passenger under the age of fourteen not wearing a seatbelt. Some motorists are unsure about the age to which they are responsible for passengers, but its good practice to make sure that everyone in your car has a seatbelt on before you set off, regardless of their age. If you would like to read the full section of this act to clear up any uncertainties, you can do under section 15 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

• Leaving vehicles in a dangerous place

Most think that this isn’t a criminal offence, or even a law, just that it is bad driving practice to park in a dangerous place. Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to leave a vehicle in such a place where the circumstances could involve a danger of injury. The DSA driving syllabus you’re taught on your driving lessons Leeds, and everywhere else in the UK, educates you on where is safe, convenient and legal to park, ensuring you will never be convicted of this crime.

• Complying with Traffic Directions

Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence for you not to follow directions given by a constable whilst driving. This is something that most drivers would comply with nevertheless, but it is an arrest able offence and is a driving law that you, as a motorist, should be aware of.

• Using a Mobile Phone Whilst Driving

This issue has had a lot much media attention; nevertheless it is an important driving law which is why it made it into our 5 laws to be aware of. There is a maximum penalty of £1000 and a driving disqualification for using a hand-held mobile, not to mention how much of a danger you become to yourself and other road users.

These 5 laws are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to driving legislation, and there are plenty more within the Road Traffic Act. You might also want to have a look through The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 to further your knowledge on driving legislation. A good motorist is not only aware of the law, but keeps up to date with it too. Be sure to look for any proposed laws in the media, such as the proposed speed limit increase for motorways, and follow the story to see how it develops.

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