What Can Motorists Be Fined For?

Careless and inconsiderate driving incorporates a wide range of offences. These include tailgating – which is driving too close to the vehicle ahead – and poor lane discipline where the motorist hogs (say) the middle lane. Racing through a puddle and splashing a pedestrian is frowned upon too. This offence would be up to a maximum fine of £5000, licence disqualification and three to nine penalty points.

Failing to stop after an accident is a serious offence. Somebody might require medical assistance, after all. Furthermore, all parties have to be identified for insurance purposes and - if appropriate – to establish blame. So, whereas the temptation to flee a tricky situation is understandable it cannot be excused. The maximum penalty is six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine, disqualification and five to ten points. Failing to report a collision to the authorities is punishable on the same terms.

Speeding is a common offence that a motorist might commit unintentionally. It can be easy to lose track of speed while concentrating on traffic or while distracted by children misbehaving in the rear. Whether intended or not, the maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine – rising to £2,500 on the motorway - plus three to six penalty points. Disqualification is an option too.

At the very least, a vehicle must have third-party insurance that – as the name suggests – only covers third parties should there be a collision. The maximum penalty for failing to comply is an unlimited fine, licence disqualification and six to eight penalty points. Furthermore, the third party might pursue a perpetrator through the courts for compensation to cover his or her losses.

Not wearing a seatbelt is more serious than a perpetrator might conclude. During a collision, he/she could be thrown through the windscreen and into the path of another vehicle. Furthermore, an unrestrained rear passenger might be propelled forward and kill/hurt the driver. The forces involved in a fast collision make this probable. The maximum penalty is a £500 fine.

The MOT test ensures that a vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards, and is in a roadworthy condition (at that moment in time). The inspection relates to the brakes, lights, suspension, bodywork and carbon emissions, etc. It prevents a motorist racing around in a dangerous vehicle that might not brake properly, for example. The maximum penalty for not having a valid MOT certificate is a £1,000 fine.

Failing to stop at a red traffic light is classed as a neglect of traffic directions offence. Clearly, this is a dangerous pass time that could cause a life threatening collision. Chasing a red light is nothing more than Russian Roulette. Failing to comply with a traffic light may result in (at best) a fixed penalty of 3 points and a £100 fine. If however the case went to Court the maximum fine is £1000.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile behind the wheel. This, after all, ensures the motorist is looking at a screen and pressing buttons rather than concentrating on the road. The maximum punishment is a £1,000 fine rising to £2,500 if the perpetrator is driving a passenger carrying or goods vehicle. The fine is accompanied by three penalty points and possible disqualification.

The photo-style licence expires after ten years. It then has to be renewed as the motorist's appearance might have changed considerably. A licence has to accurately represent its keeper or it is of limited value. If you move house you must change the address on your licence as this could cause problems for the driver if stopped by the police, and anyone else who needs to verify identity. The maximum fine is £1,000. Note: the older, paper-only, expires once the driver hits seventy and must be replaced with a photo-licence.

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency has a database that reveals when a vehicle has not been taxed. Assuming it is not exempt – or declared SORN (off road) - the motorist receives an £80 fine via the post. Failure to pay typically leads to prosecution when the fine can increase to £1,000 (plus court costs and back payments).