Is it illegal to drive with lights on inside your car?
MOTORISTS often wonder whether they're breaking the law when driving with an interior light on.
Interior car lights could distract other drivers, but is it illegal? Experts from the AA have revealed the truth.
The AA's research found that many Brits shared that experience in their youth, of being told not to put the lights on while the car was moving.
Well, those kids can now crack out the statute books and fight back against their parents' stern words as the widely-held belief is actually a misunderstanding of the law.
An AA spokesperson said: "It’s something which lots of people think is a fact but there’s no law against driving with your interior lights on."
However, there is a grain of truth to the belief, as it was often justified on the grounds that the light was distracting to the driver.
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While the light in itself is not a legal issue, if you are caught driving dangerously and the distraction from the lamp is found to be the cause, it could land you in hot water.
You could find yourself in the dock under laws against driving while distracted, in the same way that you might be collared for using a phone or having your view out of the windscreen obscured.
This is covered by the requirement in the Highway Code to remain in "full control" of your motor at all times
In the most serious cases, this can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban.
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Even less serious offences carry a £200 penalty and six points on your licence.
It’s something which lots of people think is a fact but there’s no law against driving with your interior lights on.
AA
It comes after a major supermarket chain made a change to its petrol stations to save you money.
Meanwhile, a motoring expert shared the "ten-second rule" that can help keep you from being stranded on the roadside.
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine