Other Offences

Vehicle Defects

If your vehicle is defective, you could face prosecution under the Construction and Use Regulations depending on the type of defect. In particular, brakes, steering gear and tyres are subject to quite detailed requirements - for example, Regulation 27 dealing with tyres refers to eight different types of defect and a separate offence is committed in respect of each defective tyre. Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition is a separate offence under s.40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as is fitting or supplying defective or unsuitable parts under s.76. It is also an offence to sell an unroadworthy vehicle.

Driving on a Non-UK Driving Licence

If you wish to drive in the United Kingdom on a driving licence obtained abroad, do not forget to check if you are entitled to do so, and if you are, how long such entitlement lasts. You also need to check if you need to pass a British driving test or whether you can simply exchange your national licence for a British Licence. You need to check the relevant time limits.

General Safety

Failure to use headlamps in seriously reduced visibility as well as during the hours of darkness is illegal. "Seriously reduced visibility" is not defined but could include fog, mist, snow, heavy rain, excessive road spray or a badly lit tunnel. Even parked vehicles may have to display parking lights at night.

Other offences could include driving whilst disqualified, under age drivers, learner drivers driving alone, without proper supervision, without displaying 'L plates' and driving unauthorised vehicles.

The comments below are general and should not be taken as a definitive statement of the law or procedure. Expert advice should always be sought on this area. We have not attempted to cover all the obligations or legal requirements that may arise when an accident occurs.