Highway Code rules can 'catch drivers off guard' and see thousands of motorists slapped with fines
Drivers can be given a minimum £100 fine for breaking the rules
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Drivers were slapped with more than 200,000 fines for breaking Highway Code rules during the summer period last year, the highest number on record.
According to a Freedom of Information request, during July and August last year, 203,801 people were found guilty of a speed limit offence.
The FOI revealed how drivers in Surrey violated the speed limit most often in the UK with 22,811 tickets being issued by police.
Notably, the location with the least amount of speeding violations was Humberside, with just over 9,000 tickets recorded between July and August 2023.
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Surrey handed out the most speeding tickets with 22,811
PAOther locations which had a large number of fines include West Mercia (21,266) Nottinghamshire (16,400), North Wales (15,998) and South Yorkshire (15,541).
This was followed by Northern Ireland (14,292), Lincolnshire (12,057), Bedfordshire (11,388), Leicestershire (10,389) and Humberside (9,072).
The UK location with the most speed cameras is Lancashire which has 225 in operation across the region, with the majority of people caught speeding on the cameras were hit with a £100 fine and three points on their licence.
The £100 fine is compulsory and will be issued to everyone caught, but drivers can avoid the points and opt for a speed awareness course if it is offered by the police.
Driving experts at Yell said: “All speeding fines in the UK are calculated as a percentage of weekly income after tax and National Insurance deductions are applied.
“The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and will receive one of the above fines if caught.”
The fines for these are capped at £1,000 and £2,500 if the motorist is caught speeding on a motorway.
Besides speeding, the Highway Code contains 307 guidance that could count as traffic offences, which can also lead to fines.
This can vary from splashing pedestrians in the rain, which could count as reckless driving, to more severe cases such as driving with number plates being covered.
Experts at the AA detailed: “The intricacies of the Highway Code can sometimes catch drivers off guard. Our aim is to ensure that all motorists are aware of these lesser-known rules to avoid unnecessary fines and ensure road safety.”
“It's not just about the common offences like speeding or running a red light; understanding and adhering to these regulations can significantly enhance your driving experience and keep you and others safe on the road."
Louise Thomas, motor expert at Confused.com explained that it’s not always easy to judge “your speed through an educated guess”.
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More than 200,000 drivers were caught speeding last summer
PAShe warned: “You should never risk speeding at any time. Not only is there a risk to your safety, but for other road users too. Your future as a driver could also be impacted, with risk of disqualification from driving altogether, or new financial burdens as a result.”