Driving in London for many is an unavoidable everyday task, whether it’s travelling around for work or taking kids to school.
While many Londoners use public transport such as the Underground or buses, for others getting in a vehicle is as natural as brushing your teeth in the morning.
With eight million people living in London, it’s no surprise that the roads become incredibly clogged up and frustrations can get the better of people.
READ MORE: Angry driver calls for London’s cyclists to be forced to wear ID numbers
The daily battle between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is a never-ending saga with each one cursing the other for getting things wrong.
While pedestrians are generally free from committing offences as they navigate the paths and crossings of London, drivers face an array of possible actions that could land them in trouble with the police.
Using you horn in the wrong way could land you in trouble
(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
However not all are as well-known as you may think, so here are some of the little known driving laws you see drivers in London breaking every day.
Splashing pedestrians
For pedestrians, there is nothing worse than being splashed by a vehicle when you are perhaps already soaking wet from the rain.
Splashing a pedestrian is actually illegal under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and could see the driver with a fine of £100 with 3 penalty points or if it ends up in court up to £5,000.
Advertising on your car
Under section nine of the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867, it is illegal to advertise on your car.
It reads: “Prohibition of carriage of advertisements, except those approved by Commissioner of Police.”
Dirty registration plates
If your registration is dirty so that it can’t be read then you could be caught under the Road Vehicles Regulations, 2001.
This could land you with a £1,000 fine and you could also fail your MOT test.
Driving with loud music playing
It’s something your see (or rather hear) every day in London, but it is actually against the law.
Under the Highway Code and The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, drivers are instructed not to play loud music to avoid distractions.
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Unrestrained pets
Rule 57 in the Highway Code states that “when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Honking your horn
Using your horn incorrectly could see you fined £1,000, with the Highway Code stating that drivers should not honk “aggressively” or “in stationary traffic”.
Also sounding your horn while driving in a built-up area between 11.30pm and 7am is also illegal.
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