Drivers quickly pick up new habits while on the road, however, many of those habits are based on common misconceptions around what you can and can’t do while driving. Our research has found that almost three-in-five (58%) drivers are breaking the highway code as a result.
We surveyed 1,500 UK drivers to find out the most common driving myths in the UK and who is likely to fall for them, whether it’s using your horn inappropriately or driving barefoot.
Which driving myths do people believe the most?
Flashing your headlights
The driving myth that is believed by the most UK drivers is that it is OK to flash your headlights in a friendly gesture, such as thanking someone for letting you go or indicating that you’re letting someone else go first.
Almost three-in-five (60%) people think that it is within the law or rules of the Highway Code, however, section 110 of the Highway Code states that flashing your headlights should only be done to indicate your presence and shouldn’t be used to signal for another driver to proceed.
Interestingly, younger drivers (aged 25-30) believe this more than other generations, with four-fifths (80%) thinking that it’s legal to do so.
Using your horn
Similarly, over half of UK drivers (52%) aren’t aware that is against the Highway Code to beep a car horn in frustration at other road users, particularly when at a standstill in traffic or at a set of lights. Many Brits have grown accustomed to using their horn in a fit of ‘road rage’, despite this potentially leading to a fine of up to £1,000 (if disputed). Those between the ages of 25-34 are most likely to incorrectly think it’s legal to gesture in this way (70%).
Interior lights
Many people remember their parents telling them it is illegal to drive with the interior car light on, with almost two-in-five (38%) drivers still believing this old wives tale. The truth is there are no rules against keeping the interior lights on, however, obstructed or impaired vision while driving can get you pulled over, so only have the light on if it’s completely necessary. Gen Z are the most likely generation to occasionally drive with the interior light on, with almost a third (32%) admitting to doing so.
Driving footwear
The footwear you wear while behind the wheel can impact the quality of your driving, which is why a large percentage of UK drivers think wearing certain shoes is illegal while driving. More than two-fifths (41%) think driving in flip-flops is against the law, whilst nearly a third (29%) think it’s illegal to drive in high heels.
However, this isn’t the case, and there are no rules against driving in any specific footwear (or even driving barefoot, despite 43% believing so). However, you can get pulled over for unsafe driving, so you should always be sensible when choosing footwear to drive in.
Naturally, women are most likely to drive in heels (15%) and in flip-flops (16%).
Throwing litter
Most people wouldn’t dream of littering, whether from inside their car or walking down the street. Surprisingly, when it comes to driving and littering, almost half of drivers (47%) don’t think it’s illegal to throw litter from your vehicle. Older generations, however, are much more likely to be aware of the law surrounding throwing litter, with over four-fifths (83%) of over 65s knowing that it’s illegal to do so.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 states that the owner of a vehicle can be fined if they are caught throwing litter from their vehicle, or if anyone else in the vehicle is caught doing so. It’s best to keep a small litter bag in your car which can be thrown away at a later time.
Driving with snow on the car
In the winter months, we regularly have to de-ice our cars and remove snow when it gets really cold. In fact, more than two-fifths (42%) of drivers think it’s illegal to drive with snow on your car, and over three-quarters (78%) always make sure to remove snow before setting off.
The Highway Code and UK law, however, have no direct rules against driving with snow on your vehicle. Whilst it’s technically ok to do so, drivers should always make sure that their windows are clear and that there are no further obstructions caused by snow or ice.
Listening to headphones
Many people will be surprised to know that there are no rules against driving while wearing headphones, as over a third (34%) think it is illegal to do so. Whilst there are no direct laws about wearing headphones, you could get pulled over if you’re driving without full control or appear to be distracted, so it’s always best to have all ears on the road.
Air con over open windows
Finding ways to preserve fuel and maximise vehicle efficiency is important for many UK drivers, however, some commonly believed ways of doing so are actually ineffective.
Almost a third (32%) believe that air con uses more fuel than opening a window, and nearly a quarter (21%) use this method to cool down their car.
When driving at speeds below 50mph, open windows are much more economical than using air con. This is because the energy consumption of the AC is much higher than the energy consumed from the drag of the car while the window is open.
Pet leaning out the window
The overwhelming majority of Brits think it’s legal to allow their pet to lean out the car window (70%), and whilst they may look adorable when doing this, it’s a violation of the Highway Code. According to rule 57, pets must be suitably restrained when in a vehicle and allowing them to lean out of a window is considered unsafe.
Whether you have or haven’t let your dog hang their head out the window while driving, if you’re travelling with your dog, check out our guide to keeping your pets safe and happy.
Driving licence
More than a fifth of UK drivers (22%) think they are legally obliged to carry their drivers licence while using their vehicle, despite there being no legislation suggesting this.
A quarter of Gen Z (25%) believe that they must always have their drivers licence on them, making them the most likely generation to believe this myth. Although it’s not necessary to carry your licence in the car, if asked to present your licence to the police, you must do so within the requested time frame.
It’s easy to slip into more relaxed driving habits and fall for these myths, however staying vigilant on the roads is paramount. If you want to brush up on your road awareness, check out our guide to the driving mistakes you should avoid.