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Motorists could face prison for splashing pedestrians as expert reveals odd driving laws

Several motorists could be held accountable in court for simply driving through a puddle if they make any passers-by wet, leaving them with a few points and a hefty fine

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Splashing pedestrians could get drivers in trouble (Image: Getty Images)

Several strange and mostly unknown driving laws are rolled out across the UK to ensure that road safety is maintained and this stretched to pedestrians too.

One strange law includes drivers being forbidden to speed through puddles on the side of the road in case it splashes passers-by. If a pedestrian gets drenched, motorists could be slapped with a 5,000 fine, or worse, if they have previous convictions.

Drivers must adjust their habits during wetter seasons to avoid accidents, as Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, explained: "Roads are almost guaranteed to be full of puddles right now, following the recent and upcoming spate of wet weather. It's therefore imperative for drivers to know about the penalties for recklessly driving through them."

Mr Conway added: "While it could be deemed unavoidable to drive through a puddle, drivers could be hit with a 5,000 fine for speeding through them and splashing pedestrians in the process.

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Drivers could be caught out for an honest mistake (stock)(Image: Getty Images)

"According to Section Three of the Road Traffic Act of 1988, it is illegal to splash pedestrians as it equates to driving 'without reasonable consideration for other persons'. Those considered to be deliberately driving through puddles and splashing pedestrians will likely be hit with a 100 fixed penalty notice, as well as three penalty points if caught by the police."

"In the worst case scenario, motorists considered to be driving in a manner that 'amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience, and aggressive' will be hit with the maximum penalty of a 5,000 fine. What's more, if for any reason drivers fail to pay the 100 fixed penalty, they are liable to face the maximum 5,000 fine if the case is taken to court."

Adding to this, motorists with other offences could even face some time behind bars. Not only that, authorities can add some points onto your license, which would increase your insurance premium.

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Divers could get a hefty fine (stock)(Image: Getty Images)

It's no secret to car owners that insurance prices have hit the roof. According to Economics Observatory, the average cost of car insurance has increased by 34% from the end of 2022.

In the first three months of 2024, the average cost was 635, which is a 157 increase from the same period last year. Electric vehicle owners also haven't escaped this, and have seen their insurance double in the last 12 months.

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