Valentine’s Day gesture that could land you with £1,000 fine or even prison time
A romantic drive with your partner this Valentine’s Day could come with unexpected costs.
An affectionate gesture when driving, such as holding hands or resting a hand on your loved ones' lap, could mean you are breaking the law. And if you are caught breaching this rule, you could be hit with a hefty punishment.
Pete Ridley, a Car Finance Expert at Car Finance Saver, emphasises that many drivers do not fully grasp how strict the Highway Code is when it comes to vehicle control.
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He said: “Rule 160 of the Highway Code states unequivocally that drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle at all times. Just taking one hand off the wheel might indicate a lack of proper control, which could expose you to serious penalties."
This means even a brief moment of distraction for a romantic gesture could lead to serious consequences.
Drivers who are found unable to control their vehicles properly may face significant penalties including:
Fines of up to £1,000.
A minimum of three penalty points on their driving licence.
An increased risk of accidents due to slower reaction times and reduced focus on the road.
However, if you fail to remain in control of a vehicle due to any romantic actions then this could be considered dangerous driving - an offence that can have even more serious consequences, such as two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a potential disqualification from driving altogether.
Pete added: "Valentine's Day is a time for celebrating love, but safety should always be our top priority. There’s no better way to show you care than by driving responsibly and keeping your loved ones safe."
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