Did you know there’s an “innocent” driving habit that could see you hit with a fine of up to £5,000?
Many drivers find themselves hanging their arm out of a car’s open window while on the move, especially in the warmer months of the year.
But motoring experts are now warning that the seemingly harmless act could see a driver accused of “not being in proper control of the vehicle” or even “careless driving”.
Is it illegal to drive your car with your arm hanging out the window?
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Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has revealed a fine could reach up to £5,000 if contested in court, while drivers could also be issued a fine of up to nine points.
In the most serious cases, there’s also the potential for a driving disqualification.
Graham explains: “Resting an arm out of the window while driving might seem like an innocent act, but it’s one that motorists should avoid.
“Rule 160 of the Highway Code says you must ‘drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times’.
“If you’re resting an arm outside the vehicle with only one hand on the wheel, the police can argue that you’re not in full control, especially if you need to react quickly.
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“The law would take an extremely dim view of the habit if you’re seen to be moving erratically in your lane. It can also be perceived as a safety hazard for other road users, including cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians.”
The offence of not being in proper control of a vehicle falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
It covers a multitude of potential actions, including drinking or eating at the wheel, smoking or vaping while driving, or being distracted by your car’s infotainment system.
It typically attracts a £100 fine and three penalty points, with more serious cases going to court and seeing larger fines.
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Meanwhile, the offence of careless driving is defined under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and is committed when the defendant's driving “falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver”.
Similar to the offence of “not being in proper control of a vehicle”, careless driving typically attracts a £100 fine and three points, with more serious cases involving an accident potentially resulting in a court appearance, a £5,000 fine, and even driving disqualification.
Graham continues: “Doing anything that impedes your ability to control a car safely could see you being stopped by the police. That includes other ‘innocent’ gestures like turning to talk to passengers, leaning down to grab something from the glove box, or even turning around to place an item on the back seat.”
Can you drive a car with a broken arm in the UK?
You must consult your doctor to check if you can drive with a broken arm (or any broken bone for that matter), and if not, you will want to know how long you are unable to drive for.
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This is because GOV.UK states you must tell DVLA if you’ll be unable to drive for more than three months because of a broken limb.
It shares: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.
"You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”
If your condition will affect your driving, you must fill out form G1 and send it to the DVLA.
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