Highway Code rules on eating and drinking in your | Tech News

Most drivers prefer to suppose they know what they’re doing. When it involves the Highway Code, many will probably be fairly sure they’re protected drivers and know the rules nicely.

But the reality is there are numerous issues you can be doing on the highway which might be classed as a distraction, and you most likely do not know it. As said merely on the official GOV.UK web site, “protected driving and driving wants focus.” 

Under Rule 148, the Highway Code urges people to “avoid distractions when driving or riding” and this contains common habits akin to eating and drinking.

As nicely as urging people not to do that to permit full focus of the highway – and keep two arms on the wheel always – the code additionally advises in opposition to people taking part in loud music, cautioning people that doing “this may mask other sounds.”

The code additionally says that if you’re attempting to learn a map otherwise you begin or modify your music or the radio, this might additionally trigger distractions.

The record doesn’t finish there. The code additionally says “arguing with your passengers or other road users” ought to all the time be averted as not solely can it trigger loud sounds, however you could take your eyes off the highway, or get offended and not be alert to something you need to react to akin to roadworks, a pink mild or somebody in the center of the highway.

The code additionally mentions smoking as a behavior that must also be averted by some drivers. The code says: “You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. Separate regulations apply to England, Wales and Scotland.

“In England and Wales, the motive force MUST NOT smoke or permit anybody to smoke in an enclosed personal vehicle carrying somebody beneath 18, together with motor caravans. In Scotland it’s an offence for anybody aged 18 or over to smoke in a personal motor vehicle (except it’s parked and getting used as residing lodging) when there’s somebody beneath 18 in the vehicle and the vehicle is in a public place.”

Drivers are also being alerted to other guidance they should be aware of. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has urged people with a car to set up an alert to avoid being fined and save their vehicle from being clamped. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they stressed the importance of acting quickly, noting that the process only takes a few minutes.

Their fresh message reads: “Set up your Driver and autos account on http://GOV.UK and you possibly can select to obtain vehicle tax reminders by textual content or e-mail. Do it at this time – it solely takes 5 minutes.” They are reminded that “it’s unlawful to drive your vehicle till you’ve taxed it.”

Meanwhile, they also warned on their website: “You’ll be fined £80 if you don’t tax your vehicle or inform DVLA that it’s off the highway. You’ll additionally need to pay for the time it was not taxed. If you don’t pay your advantageous on time your vehicle might be clamped or crushed, or your particulars handed to a debt assortment company.” You can discover out how to tax your car right here – and what occurs in case you do not.