10 Unusual Driving Distractions & The Law

When it comes to road safety, avoiding distractions while driving is an absolute must for staying alert and responsible. Things like eating and drinking, using your mobile phone or fiddling around with the controls all take up your attention and can cause you to lose focus on what you should actually be concentrating on: the road.

However, beyond the obvious no-go’s, there are some slightly more unusual distractions that can throw you off. At best, they could land you with a fine or points on your license, and at worst, they could cause a serious accident – so it’s vital to stay informed. 

From personalised car decor to gripping audiobooks, here are 10 unusual driving distractions, and what the UK law has to say about them.

10 unusual distractions when driving

1. Creepy crawlies

If you’re the type to let out an involuntary scream any time you encounter a creepy crawly, then the sudden appearance of a spider on your wheel – or the sensation of a bug on your skin – has the potential to cause a big problem.

While there’s nothing in the law that specifically mentions spiders and driving, careless driving is an offence that carries an unlimited fine. So whether an uninvited creature causes you to swerve, drive through a red light or brake suddenly, you could face a hefty penalty. It could also get you three to nine penalty points, and even a discretionary disqualification.

It’s good practice to check your car thoroughly for insects before you set off, and regularly cleaning the inside. If you do get spooked by a spider or bug while driving, remain calm and, if necessary, pull over – but only when it’s safe to do so. 

2. Personal grooming

Applying makeup, checking hair in the mirror and even shaving (yes, really) are some of the personal grooming habits that distracted drivers are guilty of.

Again, there’s no specific law against driving and grooming. But by taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel, you’re technically in violation of Regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. 

This prohibits driving a car if you’re “in a position that prevents proper control or a full view of the road.”

So step away from the moisturiser and put the hairbrush down, because grooming behind the wheel really is a distraction that’ll cost you more than a bad hair day.

3. Dogs and their love of car windows

Dogs love a car window, it has to be said. There’s nothing like being on a long journey and spotting a canine friend with its head out the window, delightfully lapping up the breeze.

However, pets can easily become distracting. Rule 57 of The Highway Code says that you must ensure that dogs or other animals are properly secured so they can’t distract you while driving, or cause injury if you need to stop quickly. It’s therefore best to keep your pooch away from their beloved window, for your safety as well as theirs.

4. Paying too much attention to the scenery

Driving on UK roads (or anywhere, for that matter) can expose you to all sorts of amazing scenery. From stunning landscapes to birds of prey soaring overhead, it might be tempting to take your eyes off the road just for a moment in order to take it all in.  

Passing by an accident can also elicit the urge to chance a look back. However, these all take you away from the present moment - and having full focus on the road.

Rule 144 of The Highway Code says you must not drive without due care and attention. And as we’ve seen earlier, the penalties for careless and inconsiderate driving carries an unlimited fine, so it’s really best to stay focused on the road, no matter the setting.

5. Needing the loo

There’s nothing worse than being caught short on a long journey – especially if traffic brings things to a standstill and there are no services for miles.

When finding the nearest toilet is all you can focus on, you’re likely to be slower to react to situations on the road, and more prone to making mistakes. 

There's no specific UK law that requires drivers to take regular toilet breaks. However, if your urge to find a toilet results in ignoring traffic lights and overtaking dangerously, this falls under the offence of dangerous driving. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving? Two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and an obligatory disqualification from driving.

6. PDA's

Public displays of affection might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to distractions when driving – which is exactly why they’re in this list of the more unusual culprits.

A quick peck when the lights are red is generally not going to be a problem. But if you’re locking lips or gazing adoringly into each others’ eyes instead of paying attention to the road, then clearly this is cause for careless driving, which the law doesn’t look at so favourably.

For instance, you could get a £1,000 fine and a discretionary disqualification if your PDA is deemed to have resulted in you not having proper control of your car, or a full view of the road and traffic ahead. 

7. Being engrossed in an audiobook

Plenty of drivers swear by audiobooks for getting through long and arduous car journeys. However, if you’re so gripped by the plot that it’s all you can think about, then arguably your full attention is not on the road.

There’s no law in the UK that actually prohibits you from listening to an audiobook while driving. But, if you find that you’re more invested in the story than what’s going on around you, your driving could become dangerous – an offence that carries an unlimited fine and two years behind bars. Not a happy ending.

8. Singing along to your favourite song

Similar to audiobooks, playing music on the car stereo has the ability to make a long drive more fun, while also causing you to become distracted.

Although there isn’t a legal limit for the volume of music in your car, rule 148 of The Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions like loud music, when driving.

It’s especially important to be able to hear the sounds of the road around you, as this can alert you of any dangers, as well as give you plenty of time to let emergency vehicles pass.

9. Personalised decorations

Part of the fun of owning your own car is making it your own. These days, hanging accessories, LED light strips and other personalised items have become increasingly popular. 

Car decorations can be one of the more unusual distractions when driving, though. Mood lights can dazzle and cause glare during night-time rides, sticky dashboard items can fall off, mid-driving. And those oversized fluffy dice on your rear-view mirror? Well they might look cool, but they can also impede your vision.

If any of these visual distractions cause your driving to become careless, or even dangerous, then you could be looking at getting your license disqualified - and being given an unlimited fine.

10. Switching up your shoes

It might seem harmless, but if you're used to wearing a certain type of shoe for driving and then suddenly change to a different style, it can completely throw you off.

According to The Highway Code, you should make sure that your clothing and footwear don't prevent you from using the controls of the car properly. And in terms of the law, should your shoes cause your driving to become careless and inconsiderate, then you could be handed an unlimited fine and even have your license disqualified.

What are the distracted driving laws in the UK?

Driving offences in the UK fall under two categories: dangerous driving, and careless or inconsiderate driving. Distractions crop up in both categories, while the consequences of offending in either category can result in fines, points on your license, having your license disqualified, and even prison.

Examples of dangerous driving:

• Speeding, racing, or driving aggressively
• Ignoring traffic lights, road signs or warnings from passengers
• Using a hand-held phone or other equipment

Examples of careless or inconsiderate driving:

• Overtaking on the inside
• Driving too close to another vehicle
• Driving through a red light by mistake

What are the driving laws in the UK?

Before you drive a car or ride a motorcycle in the UK, you must meet several legal requirements. These include having a valid driving licence, being the minimum driving or riding age, and meeting the standards for eyesight. On top of this, you also need to make sure your car is well maintained and has a valid MOT certificate; if you’re not sure whether your car needs some TLC, reach out to your local Kwik Fit centre.  

If asked by police, you must be able to show your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate and a valid MOT certificate. The full requirements can be found on the government website.