If you happen to have temper issues while on road and you like to openly express your anger to other drivers on trivial driving mistakes, here’s some bad news for you.
You can be fined up to $1,250 for exhibiting such behavior in Britain.
The law which is now active in Britain can hold people accountable for seemingly benign acts of road rage, including something as petty as a hand gesture, an impolite one of course.
If you believe that irritating other drivers by trying to tailgate them or making such maneuvers as can be dangerous for others on the road are the only things that can cause you serious legal trouble, you need to update your list with the new “rude hand gesture,” which can make you pay a sizable amount as a fine.
The new law has been developed in the light of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which makes showing such gestures “disorderly conduct” and hence liable to fine/punishment.
So if you drive in the British jurisdiction, don’t lose your calm on other drivers inserting their vehicles in front of you or parking in a place you just found – because, if convicted it will be you paying the fine and not them.
Making aggressive, offensive and rude hand gestures is not the only offense concerning your hands that can be penalized.
As a matter of fact, if you take your hand off the steering to do anything, the police have the authority to impose fines up to $1,250 for “not being in full control of a vehicle” and they can give you three penalty points on your license.
Last December, a driver in Durham County was charged with penalties for acts including speeding, not being in full control of his vehicle, not wearing the seat belt, and making an offensive hand gesture at a traffic officer.
Head of roads policy for the AA, Jack Cousens, said: “A small minority of drivers think that being sat in their car exempts them from an offence like this.
“However, this kind of anti-social behavior can land you in hot water and take you on an expensive trip to the courts.
“Road users have a duty of care to each other, so keeping your cool and remaining focused is important. Your hands should remain on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
“Rather than let the tailgater get under your skin, where safe to do so, it is better to let them pass so you can carry on your journey in a calm manner.”
Replaced!