Every time a motorist gets behind the wheel of a car, they know there is a list of laws and rules by which they must abide

The obvious ones include not driving while drunk or intoxicated, staying within the speed limit, and not using a hand held phone while driving.

But there’s a long list of minor misdemeanours that can also land a motorist in hot water.

Now, law firm Slater and Gordon have listed the minor offences drivers are likely to commit without ever realising.

Angrily sounding your horn - Part 1:

It is illegal to honk your horn in anger or frustration. Your horn is there to alert other drivers to your presence, not to show how annoyed you are at someone else’s driving.

Angrily sounding your horn - Part 2:

You also can’t toot your horn between 11.30pm and 7am unless in an emergency situation.

Eating:

While eating itself while driving is not an offence, easing the hunger pangs during a long drive could cause you to be driving without due care and attention - and that can land you in serious trouble.

Splashing pedestrians with puddles:

It is illegal to splash a pedestrian with water from the road whilst driving your car. You can get a fixed penalty notice for doing so, and in a small number of instances, drivers have been given tickets for public order offences after deliberately driving through puddles to target pedestrians.

Taking prescription drugs before driving:

Been feeling a bit under the weather lately? You may want to think twice about knocking back pills before going for a drive.

In March 2015 new driving limits were brought in for a string of prescription drugs alongside new road-side drug screen devices.

Over-the-counter medicines which include drugs such as codeine can get you banned, while many other medicines can induce drowsiness and land you in trouble.

Having a dirty number plate:

Lets face it, it’s the time of year when most cars on the road are filthy. Apart from the fact its utterly pointless because they get dirty again with a few days, getting your car cleaned will cost you money, and if you do it yourself, it takes time and effort (and is a rather cold and soggy experience).

But whatever you do, don’t let your number plate get too dirty, because you could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Also, make sure that your number plate is up to the legal standards, so that means avoiding fun fonts or different colours.

Smoking:

Since October 2015, it has been illegal to smoke in the car if any passengers are under the age of 18.

As the driver, you are responsible for your passengers so even if you’re not smoking, but another passenger is, and there’s an under 18 in the car with you, it’s you that will be hit with the unwanted fine.

Taking your pet out of your car if you break down:

The rules of the road state that if you break down on any road you should exit your vehicle in case another car hits yours. But if you’re on a motorway you must leave your beloved pooch in the car.

Leaving your car on a yellow line - even if its just for a moment:

A single yellow line is there to drop people off, or pick people up, but the driver of the car is not allowed to exit the vehicle at any time.

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Have you broken any of the laws listed above?

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