DRIVING laws can often be complicated and hard to interpret, but they exist to keep us safe so it is important that we follow them.
So can you drive in flip flops? Do you need to have an MOT? Here are your driving questions, answered.
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Is it illegal to drive with loud music playing?
It is not illegal to drive with loud music playing.
In fact, it is much safer than driving with headphones.
However, if it is deemed to be a distraction then you could face a £100 fine and three points on your license.
Is it illegal to drive with an expired driving licence?
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Motorists who are caught without a valid driving licence could face losing it for good.
It is illegal to drive with a licence that is not in date, and there are hefty punishments in place if you do.
Your car could be seized and you could end up with a fine of up to £1,000.
You may also receive between three to six points on your licence.
Is it illegal to drive with bare feet?
There is currently no legislation in place that requires Brits to wear appropriate shoes for driving.
However, suitable shoes are always recommended when behind the wheel so you can competently operate the pedals.
Driving barefoot carries the risk of having poor grip on the pedals, and if an accident is linked to this it could cause your insurance to be void.
Is it illegal to drive in certain footwear?
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All footwear is legal to drive in, as long as it is safe.
For example, flip-flops are perfectly legal to drive in but they could cause an accident if they got caught under the pedal.
Safe footwear should provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.
It should also not limit ankle movement and not cause you to press more than one pedal at once.
Is it illegal to drive with one headlight?
Anyone who is caught driving with one headlight is breaking the law, and risks getting a £100 fixed penalty notice.
According to the Highway Code, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.
You will not face points on your license for driving with only one headlight.
Is it illegal to drive without a shirt?
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Driving without a shirt is not illegal, as it does not hinder any movement or driving ability.
However it might cause other drivers to take a second look at you while driving on the road.
You also run the risk of police officers stopping you for indecent exposure, if you are not sufficiently dressed.
Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?
It is illegal to drive without an MOT, unless you are driving to a booked MOT test or from a garage for repairs.
If you are caught driving by the police you can get a fine of up to £1,000.
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here’s a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine
The Automatic Number Place Recognition system will flag up any cars that do not have a valid MOT.
It is important to carry proof of your MOT booking with you when travelling, so it can be given as evidence.
Fines for driving without an MOT can go as high as £2,500 and multiple offences can lead to the loss of a licence altogether.
Is it illegal to drive with headphones?
Driving with headphones is not illegal, but it can lead to reduced awareness on the road.
People may wear the devices to operate a phone hands free or listen to music, but it could still cause a distraction.
If you are deemed to be driving carelessly you could face a fine of £100.
Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?
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It is not illegal to travel without a spare tyre, but there are rules that have to be followed if you choose to do so.
All tyres must comply with tyre laws, which means ensuring that the pressure is suitable for driving.
They must also meet the minimum requirement of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre width.
Anyone who is found to be driving with a tread that is lower than the legal minimum can be given up to three penalty points and a fine of £2,500 per illegal tyre.