There are many myths that are connected to driving and within this article, we are going to go through some and tell you if they are true or not. You may be doing some of these things while driving which could end up being illegal. Or maybe some of these things you may have thought was illegal, but are not.
No eating or drinking while driving is not illegal. You are even allowed to be drinking alcohol while driving, but don't be surprised if you are pulled over and breathalysed. Although eating/drinking isn't illegal while driving if it's distracting you and you are not in full control of your vehicle the police can prosecute you for driving carelessly which could include a fine and points on your licence.
You are in fact allowed to drive with your interior light on, despite what your parents may have told you when you were a child. It also doesn't indicate anywhere in the highway code that you have to turn it off while driving. While it might not be illegal, it could be distracting, especially at night with the light reflecting off the windows of the vehicle which could deter the view of any vehicles behind.
Technically, no, but what you do when moving out of the way could get you into trouble. When you first hear a siren or see flashing lights coming your way your first thought is to move out of the way but you must think what is safest for you and all pedestrians around you.
Even if an ambulance is coming your way you still cannot run a red light, even if it is to get out of their way. No matter the reason for running the red light, even though you may be doing it for good intentions, it is still illegal and could land you a fine of £100 and three points on your licence. This also includes entering a bus lane and stopping in a yellow box junction.
The Highway Code gives clear instructions on what you should do in these situations:
Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.
For more information on the Highway Code go to - www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk
There is no law that stops you from being able to drive with headphones on but that doesn't mean that it is a good idea. Although it is nice to listen to music while driving it can become a distraction and could possibly block out sounds such as emergency vehicles, pedestrians and traffic sounds.
If a police officer deems you as carelessly driving due to the headphones you may have a fine of £100 and three points on your licence, if you have been involved in a crash it could go up to £5000 and nine points on your licence.
You are in fact allowed to drive barefoot, is it a good idea though is another question. There is certain footwear that isn't recommended though as they may not provide secure enough grip while driving. In section 97 of the Highway Code, it states that you sure ensure, clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner. Some of the footwear not recommended are flip flops, slippers as your feet could slide around while wearing them.