Did you know that simple acts of courtesy on the road could cost you points on your licence?
Or even lead to a fine?
It’s surprising, but trying to be polite to fellow drivers might land you in hot water.
Let’s dig into why these gestures can be riskier than they seem.
Helpful Honking
You probably think honking to alert other drivers is a good thing.
After all, you’re just trying to keep people safe, right?
But here’s the catch—there are strict rules around when you can legally use your van’s horn.
Imagine this:
You’re stuck behind a car at a traffic light. The light turns green, but they’re not moving.
Your instinct might be to honk to get their attention.
But in this case, that’s actually illegal.
Why?
Because the law considers this type of honking “aggressive” and a form of harassment.
Breaking this rule could leave you facing a fine.
And it’s not just pocket change.
If you honk without a valid reason, authorities can fine you £30 on the spot.
If you take it to court, the fine could go up to a staggering £1000.
So, think twice before reaching for that horn. Only use it when absolutely necessary, and only if it’s to alert others to a true hazard.
Waving
Ever waved to thank another driver for letting you merge?
Or maybe to apologize for accidentally cutting someone off?
While it feels like a polite gesture, it might also be a risky move.
Why?
Waving can distract you and take your hands off the wheel, which the law doesn’t take lightly.
In fact, any gesture that pulls your hands from the wheel, even for a split second, means you’re not fully in control of your vehicle.
During our research, we found that opinions vary on this topic.
The general rule?
If you keep your palm on the wheel and give a small raise of your fingers, that’s probably acceptable.
But raising your entire hand to wave?
That could lead to trouble if spotted by law enforcement.
No Flashing Please
We’re not talking about anything inappropriate here—just headlights and hazard lights.
It’s tempting to give a quick flash of the headlights or a tap of the hazard lights to say thank you.
But did you know this could get you fined?
Hazard lights are for emergencies only.
For instance, if you’re parked on the roadside due to a breakdown, or if traffic ahead suddenly stops.
However, if you use them to say “thank you” or as a way to excuse stopping on double yellow lines, you’re risking a fine.
And flashing your headlights?
The Highway Code specifically discourages using headlights for anything other than alerting other drivers of your presence.
So, while a quick flash might seem friendly, it could be seen as a misuse of lights.
Getting caught misusing lights could not only result in a fine, but could also affect your driving record.
Stay Covered
After considering all these rules, there’s one last thing to keep in mind.
Is your insurance all up to date?
It’s always wise to ensure you have the best coverage, just in case.
Fortunately, checking for affordable rates only takes a few minutes.
Simply use our quick 3-minute form form to compare options and secure the best price.
In the end, simple courtesy could cost you big, but staying aware of these rules—and keeping your insurance in order—could make all the difference on the road.
