Common faults it's illegal to drive with
Monday 13th February 2023
Common faults it's illegal to drive with
There are many driving offences that are clearly defined, such as driving over the speed limit, which is considered as breaking the law. However, there are some driving offences some motorists may not be aware are illegal and may regularly commit without realising it. We have highlighted some common faults it’s illegal to drive with in our helpful guide.
Dirty number plate
A dirty number plate could see you fined £1,000 if deemed ‘unreadable’. Dirty number plates often get overlooked compared to the rest of the vehicle, but it is worth checking the readability and visibility of your number plate before you set off – to avoid getting caught and fined.
Using your horn past curfew
Though this is not a common fault you drive with, your horn is still part of your vehicle and misuse can be an offence. During the hours of 11:30pm and 7am, it is illegal to use your horn in a built-up area. Though it is unlikely you would be charged if caught, it is a common driving offence that you may not be aware is illegal.
It is also illegal to beep your horn in road rage out of anger or frustration. The horn serves to alert someone of your presence and any misuse can see you with a £30 fine if charged.
Not clearing the windscreen before driving
According to the highway code, you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel of your vehicle – even during adverse weather conditions. Snow and frost should be cleared from your windows to avoid falling foul. This also includes cleaning the snow off your car’s roof to avoid a hefty fine.
Poor visibility out of mirrors and windows
Along with cleaning your windscreen, demisting and clearing your car’s mirrors and windows so that you have clear visibility is important, as failure to do so could see you with a fine of £60 and three points on your licence.
Not using your lights in bad weather
Clear visibility also includes using your sidelights or dipped headlights in adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter, so that other drivers can see you. Failure to do so could land you in trouble.
Driving without an MOT
It is illegal to drive without a valid MOT certificate unless you are driving to a pre-booked test at an authorised test centre. If your vehicle is more than three years old, an annual MOT test is a mandatory legal requirement. If you are caught driving without an MOT, you could be issued a fine of £1,000 or your vehicle could be impounded.
Using illegal tyres
Excessive tyre wear, driving with mixed tyres or the incorrect tread depth and tyre pressure is illegal. Not only could this lead to a failed MOT test, but it could see you receive a hefty fine if you’re caught with illegal tyres on the road.
Using your mobile phone as a sat nav in an unfixed position
It is illegal to use your phone as a sat nav when it is not fixed onto your dashboard or windscreen as you could be fined £200, receive six points on your license or face a driving ban if you have had your licence for less than two years. You should always ensure your phone is visible in clear sight for use whilst driving, without having to hold it.
Here at Formula One Autocentres, we offer regular car servicing which can help ensure your vehicle is in working order in between MOTs to avoid these common faults. For more information, contact a member of our helpful team or locate your nearest Autocentre today.
