Six common driving mistakes that could land you with a £5,000 fine, including tailgating and driving too slow
MOTORISTS may not be aware that some of their common driving habits could land them with a fine.
Lane hogging and driving unnecessarily slow are big no's on the Uk's roads.
It's also not just little driving habits that could see fines.
Checking things like your wiper blades and that your licence plate is clean may not happen daily but if they're not up to standard, fines could be coming your way.
Here are a few of the common mistakes drivers are making which could see them slapped with a fine.
Hogging the middle lane
Motorists should not be driving in the middle lane for longer than necessary.
Rule 264 of the Highway Code says: "Keep in the left lane unless overtaking.
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"If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so.";
Taking up the middle lane for too long can see drivers slapped with an on-the-spot fine.
New laws were introduced in 2013 meaning police had the power to hand out £100 fines and add three penalty points to your licence for the offence.
Driving too slow
There is no direct law saying drivers shouldn't drive under the speed limit but it doesn't mean you won't be penalised for it.
Motorists driving slowly on the roads can cause accidents which could involve other drivers.
Driving slowly or under the speed limit can be classed as "driving without due care and attention" or "careless driving".
Penalties can be anywhere from a verbal warning to a £5,000 fine, as well as three to nine points added to your licence.
Tailgating
Tailgating is driving too close to the driver in front of you.
This can cause accidents, especially if the driver in front brakes quickly leaving next to no time for the driver behind to react.
It is recommended that a gap of two seconds is left between cars, and at least four in bad weather conditions.
If caught tailgating, motorists can face a fine of up to £100 and three penalty points.
Not using indicators
Indicators were put on cars to warn other drivers around you that you're planning to turn off either to the left or right.
Failing to use your indicators can also fall under "careless driving" as you won't be advising those around you of your next actions.
This offence can be punishable with a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points on your licence.
Dirty registration plate
Registration plates need to be kept clean at all times.
This includes removing any dirt that may have built up and snow if there has been wintery weather conditions.
Plates need to be clear so they can be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
These cameras are used in various locations such as average speed cameras and to scan your licence plate when entering certain car parks.
Drivers can get fined £100 for not having a clean licence plate so always keep it nice and clear.
Damaged wiper blades
Wiper blades can be missed when drivers check over their car.
Driving with blunt or broken wiper blades is classed as driving your car in a dangerous condition.
One example is not being able to clean your windscreen which can obstruct your view of the road.
This can see drivers fined up to £2,500 and can also be slapped with three penalty points.
Elsewhere, here are four common mistakes motorists make when it comes to using their cars in winter.
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Plus, drivers will now be fined for using their phone at the wheel, even when just taking a photo.
And cyclists are now able to ride in the centre of the lane, at certain times, thanks to a Highway Code revamp.