It is something that most drivers are guilty of as they become more experienced drivers.

Bad habits creep into your driving as you get older.

Everybody is aware that things like speeding, dangerous driving and using your phone at the wheel will get you penalty points.

But there are plenty of other less obvious habits which could land you in trouble too.

Here are seven driving habits and issues that could prove troublesome for motorists.


Statistics released earlier this year revealed that 64 per cent of British drivers have eaten something while driving.

It's a potentially dangerous and costly habit - which could mean big trouble.

Anyone distracted behind the wheel or failing to operate their vehicle correctly because they are eating could be committing an offence of driving without due care and attention, or not being in proper control of a vehicle.

The Highway Code under Rule 148 states that “safe driving and riding needs concentration” and advises against eating, drinking, smoking, listening to loud music and trying to read maps while behind the wheel.

Smoking is also illegal in a vehicle carrying someone who is under 18 - and it is against the law for a driver not to stop someone smoking in these circumstances.

Splashing pedestrians when driving through a puddle

We've all seen it happen.

But it can actually be an offence.

Splashing pedestrians falls under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states that motorists are committing an offence by driving “without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road”.

Drivers could even get fixed penalty notices for doing it.

Driving too slowly

Everyone knows speeding is dangerous - but driving too slowly can also see you landed with a fine or even penalty points.

While there is no minimum speed limit on the majority of roads in the UK, driving too slowly can still be a punishable offence if it proves to be hazardous to other motorists.

The Department for Transport claims that around 140 accidents a year are caused by slow drivers, and being found guilty can face up to nine points on their licence and an unlimited fine.

Beeping your horn in anger

We're all taught that the horn should be used to warn other drivers of your presence - particularly when driving over bridges or around corners where visibility from the other direction is limited.

But if you beep in a moment of anger or frustration with another road user, you're breaking the law.

You also can’t sound your horn between 11.30pm and 7am unless in an emergency situation.

Taking certain prescription drugs

Motorists have been urged to check if their prescription drugs could lead to them being charged with drug driving – and banned from the roads.

Arrests in Merseyside for drug driving soared in 2015 to 66 from just eight in 2014 after new road-side drug screening devices were introduced.

While illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis are obviously included in the drug-driving laws, a string of far more innocuous remedies could see you banned.

The legal medication that could result in a drug-driving charge:

  • amphetamine, eg dexamphetamine or selegiline
  • temazepam
  • oxazepam
  • clonazepam
  • lorazepam
  • methadone
  • diazepam

  • flunitrazepam

Having a dirty number plate

When you're washing the car remember to give the number plates a good scrub too.

Registration plates must be visible at all times when a car is on the road.

If one or more of the numbers/letters on your plate can't be read, then you're breaking the law and could be liable for a hefty fine.

Taking your pet out of the car if you break down

Break down on a motorway and you're told you should exit the vehicle and get to a safe place.

What you're not allowed to do is take your pet out of the car.

Sorry, but they've got to stay put.