Accidents
Careless Driving
Dangerous Driving
Drink Driving
Speeding
Furnishing Information
Insurance
Mobile Phones
Notice of Intended Prosecution
Parking
Penalties
Signs & Signals
Totting Up
Other Offences
Procedure
Personal Injury Claims
   
Coach/Bus/Minibus
Haulage Industry
Taxi/Private Hire
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

Other Offences

 

Vehicle Defects


If your vehicle is defective, you could face prosecution under the Construction and Use Regulations depending on the type of defect. In particular, brakes, steering gear and tyres are subject to quite detailed requirements - for example, Regulation 27 dealing with tyres refers to eight different types of defect and a separate offence is committed in respect of each defective tyre. Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition is a separate offence under s.40A of the 1988 Road Traffic Act as is fitting or supplying defective or unsuitable parts under s.76. It is also an offence to sell an unroadworthy vehicle.

Driving on a Non-UK Driving Licence

If you wish to drive in the United Kingdom on a driving licence obtained abroad, do not forget to check if you are entitled to do so, and if you are how long such entitlement lasts. You also need to check if you need to pass a British driving test or whether you can simply exchange your national licence for a British Licence. You need to check the relevant time limits.

General Safety

Failure to use headlamps in seriously reduced visibility as well as during the hours of darkness is illegal. “Seriously reduced visibility” is not defined but could include fog, mist, snow, heavy rain, excessive road spray or a badly lit tunnel. Even parked vehicles may have to display parking lights at night.

Other offences could include driving whilst disqualified, under age drivers, learner drivers driving alone, without proper supervision, without displaying ‘L plates’ and driving unauthorised vehicles.