Don’t let these night time driving offences become a nightmare for you

Yes, under rule 248 of the Highway Code parking on the wrong side of the road (facing traffic) can land you with a fine of up to £1000; or £2,500 for larger vehicles.

Rule 248 states:

This is also covered in legislation (RVLR 1989 s24).

The aim of this rule is to prevent your parked headlights dazzling oncoming traffic (if you are sat in the car with your lights on) and if you are parked without lights on, the rear reflectors can be seen by approaching drivers. So, next time you park up to get a late-night chippy or nip into a shop after dark, it would be wise to make sure you’re facing the right way, even if this means a slightly longer walk!

If you are picking someone up early doors, or late at night, consider giving them a ring rather than the old double beep. In a residential area, between 11.30pm and 7am, beeping your horn is actually illegal.

This one is also in the Highway Code – rule 112. Although, it’s unlikely a police officer would take the time to enforce this rule, it is considered antisocial behaviour and waking the neighbours in this way could result in you being issued with a fixed penalty notice. No matter how slow that person you are giving a lift to is being, it’s probably not worth the £50 to hurry them up.

This one seems quite obvious and is rule 113 in the Highway Code. If you live/park in a well-lit area, it is easier than you would think to forget to switch those headlights on! You must switch your lights on when driving between sunset and sunrise. Of course, this rule exists because you need to be able to see and others need to see you. Often, not doing this would also result in a simple fine, though depending on the circumstances the police could take a dimmer view; not switching on your lights could land you with points on your licence if they consider you to be driving without due care and attention. We often come across clients who are first stopped for failing to have their headlights on but then the police become suspicious of alcohol or drug use. The police are perfectly within their rights to move forwards with a breath test or drug test at the roadside in these circumstances.