Drivers warned of massive £1,000 fine for breaching little-known Highway Code rule
Motorists should ensure they are following the rules of the road near schools
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Drivers are being warned of massive fines they could face if they break Highway Code rules when driving near schools or picking their children up.
Motorists can often find themselves frustrated on the road from a myriad of issues, whether it’s slow drivers, boy racers or people running in the road.
Sometimes drivers let their anger boil over and smack the horn to get the attention of all road users and pedestrians around them.
However, this could potentially lead to a fixed penalty notice worth £50, which could potentially rise to £1,000 if it is challenged in court.
WATCH NOW: Drivers breaking the law
Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that the horn should only be used to warn other drivers of their presence and not to convey aggression to others.
Drivers must not use their horns while stationary on the road or while driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, unless another road user could potentially pose danger.
This means motorists must avoid it at all costs when near a school, even if they do get annoyed with the amount of people moving around and parents waiting to pick up their children up.
Julie Daniels, car insurance spokesperson at Compare the Market, said safety hazards can occur when drivers get frustrated, especially for younger children.
She added: “School drop off can be a chaotic time, with cars and children converging on the school gates and nearby roads.
“To limit potential dangers, always pay attention to the traffic and pedestrians around you – especially with so many children in the area.
“That means avoiding any distractions such as using your phone while behind the wheel. If you need to contact your child, find somewhere safe to stop and park your vehicle first.”
Fines can also be dished out if a child is not wearing a seatbelt when in the car, breaking Rule 99 of the Highway Code, which could potentially see drivers fined £500.
If a child is younger than 14 years old and not in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt, a fine can be issued.
Some drivers may also be tempted to take shortcuts to get to and from school as quickly as possible, although this could lead to a hefty fine of up to £160 if they travel through a bus lane.
Drivers are not permitted to use bus lanes unless otherwise stated, with signs occasionally allowing people to stop, load or unload when not prohibited.
Julie Daniels continued, saying: “Fines can be costly, and penalty points can add to the expense, by potentially increasing the cost of your car insurance.
“To avoid paying the price, motorists should make sure to keep up to date with the rules of the road and drive safely at all times.”
Even if drivers are sure they’ll only be stopped for a few minutes, they should always switch off their engines when waiting.
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Drivers are not permitted to travel on bus lanes unless otherwise specified
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Rule 123 of the Highway Code urges drivers to avoid idling when the vehicle is stationary, with fines ranging from £20 up to £80.