Here at Home and Office Storage, we always make sure our van is inspected, cleaned and sanitised, before going out. However once it leaves our forecourt, the driver takes responsibility for returning it to us free from incidents, including motoring offences. With this in mind, we thought it would be good to share some lesser known driving offences that could catch you out.
No dirty number plates
With winter gritting in place, vehicles can get dirty pretty quickly, including your number plates. If your number plate is too dirty to read, you could find yourself (if stopped) liable to a £1000 fine. We make sure our van is sparkling clean inside and out before you set off, so you shouldn’t have to worry about this one. However, before you begin your return journey, it wouldn’t hurt to take a quick look at your plates. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
It always pays to stay calm and be polite
Driving can be a very stressful experience. From traffic jams, traffic lights, poorly signed routes through to other road users indicating at the last minute or even not at all. However, it’s very important to stay calm and polite whilst in your vehicle. The Crime and Disorder Act of 1998, makes it an offence to make rude gestures or aggressive comments whilst in control of your vehicle. If you are caught doing this you could receive a fine of £1000 and 3 points on your licence. Likewise don’t honk your horn in frustration; blasting your horn won’t achieve anything other than putting you at risk of a £1000 fine. The Highway Code states you should only use your horn, when warning another person of danger.
Avoid soaking innocent pedestrians
After heavy rain, water can often form in impressive puddles at the side of the footpath. However, resist the urge to drive through it especially at speed. If an innocent passerby gets a soaking from your spray you could be financially worse off. Under the Road Traffic Act 1998, you could be fined £100 and receive 3 points on your licence. If it went to court, the fine could be up to £5000. If you see a puddle definitely steer clear!
Don’t warn other drivers about speed cameras
How many times have you been flashed at by another driver to warn you of mobile police cameras, and how many times have you done it yourself? Rather than being a good citizen, you are putting yourself at risk of a fine of between £30 and £1000. Warning other drivers of mobile police units is an offence, as it is deemed to be obstructing a police officer in the line of their duty. The simple solution is to make sure you stick to the speed limit after all that is the law too!
We hope you have found this advice useful, and if you need to hire a van, give us a call on 01934 647776, we’ll be happy to help!