Highway Code rules you didn't know you were breaking as 200,000 drivers caught

Drivers warned about the 7 types of speed camera and how they can catch you out
-Credit: (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)


Over 200,000 drivers were slapped with fines for breaking Highway Code rules during the summer months last year, marking a record high. A Freedom of Information request revealed that in July and August of the previous year, 203,801 individuals were convicted of speeding offences.

The majority of people caught speeding on these cameras were slapped with a £100 fine and three points on their licence. The £100 fine is mandatory and will be issued to everyone caught, but drivers can avoid the points and opt for a speed awareness course if it is offered by the police, reports Birmingham Live.

Humberside has been revealed as the location with the fewest speeding violations, with just over 9,000 tickets recorded between July and August 2023. Other areas with a high number of fines include West Mercia (21,266), Nottinghamshire (16,400), North Wales (15,998) and South Yorkshire (15,541).

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Following Northern Ireland (14,292), the regions with the highest number of speed-related offences include Lincolnshire (12,057), Bedfordshire (11,388), Leicestershire (10,389), and Humberside (9,072). Lancashire tops the list as the UK location with the most speed cameras, housing 225 across the county.

The majority of those caught speeding were slapped with a £100 fine and three points on their licence. Every motorist caught speeding is subject to a mandatory £100 fine, but they can avoid points by opting for a speed awareness course if offered by the police.

Driving specialists at Yell have clarified: "All speeding fines in the UK are calculated as a percentage of weekly income after tax and National Insurance deductions are applied. The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you're doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you're breaking the law and will receive one of the above fines if caught."

The maximum penalty for these infractions is set at £1,000, increasing to £2,500 for those caught speeding on a motorway.

Beyond speeding, there are 307 rules within the Highway Code that could lead to fines for traffic offences. These range from minor infringements such as splashing pedestrians in wet conditions, which could be deemed reckless driving, to more serious violations like obscured number plates.

Experts at the AA have highlighted: "The intricacies of the Highway Code can sometimes catch drivers off guard. Our aim is to ensure that all motorists are aware of these lesser-known rules to avoid unnecessary fines and ensure road safety."

They added: "It's not just about the common offences like speeding or running a red light; understanding and adhering to these regulations can significantly enhance your driving experience and keep you and others safe on the road."

Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com, pointed out the difficulty for drivers, saying it's not always easy to judge "your speed through an educated guess".