Expert issues ‘£5K fine’ warning for little-known driving mistake

There are so many rules when it comes to driving – and rightly so. From speed limits and stop signs, to overtaking restrictions – these regulations help keep us safe on the roads.

But now, experts at Vape Globe claim that one especially devastating driving mistake may land you a ‘£5,000 fine’ – and you probably have no idea. Believe it or not, this is centred around vaping or smoking while inside a vehicle.

Crucially, Rule 148 of the Highway Code insists that ‘safe driving and riding needs concentration’, which requires the avoidance of distractions like loud music, food and smoke. If clouds of smoke affect your ability to drive safely, officers may deal you a hefty charge.

“Contrary to belief, vaping is technically illegal in the car,” the experts said. “While the rules don’t explicitly mention vapes, as they are a fairly new product, it does state that drivers can receive a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points if they believe the clouds of smoke impact your ability to drive safely.

“The clouds of smoke can of course be related to the same clouds emitted by vapes and in more serious cases fines can be up to £5,000, nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.”

Experts at Motoring Defence Solicitors also echoed this, while adding: “The risk vapers face however is that they could be smacked with a penalty even if their standard of driving wasn’t actually affected due to the huge plumes of smoke that are often discharge. When in a confined space such as your car, the smoke could easily obscure the windscreen and restrict your view, particularly if there were other factors affecting visibility present (i.e. rain, sun, poor lighting).”

Although it’s technically legal to smoke inside your car, this isn’t the case if anyone under 18 is present. This comes after the law changed in October 2015 amid concerns over the health risks of secondhand smoke.

At the time, the Government said: “Every time a child breathes in secondhand smoke, they breathe in thousands of chemicals. This puts them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make asthma worse.

“It is illegal to smoke in a car (or other vehicle) with anyone under 18. The law changed on 1 October 2015, to protect children and young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50. The law applies to every driver in England and Wales, including those aged 17 and those with a provisional driving licence.”

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