Polite Driving Gestures Could Cost You £1,000

Are Your Polite Driving Habits Putting You at Risk of a £1,000 Fine?

Being polite on the road is something many UK drivers pride themselves on. A wave, a flash of the headlights, or a quick use of hazard lights might feel like the right way to say thank you — but did you know some of these friendly gestures could lead to hefty fines and penalty points?

A recent survey by Compare the Market has revealed the UK’s most common driving courtesies. While these habits are often seen as part of good road manners, a few could cost you up to £1,000 and add points to your licence.

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The UK’s Top Five Driving Courtesies

The Compare the Market survey, featured by BirminghamLive and in their own Unofficial Rules of the Road, shows that many British drivers go out of their way to be considerate. The top five most common gestures are:

1. Waving to say thank you – 56% of drivers admit they do this.
2. Giving extra space to learner drivers – 53% show patience.
3. Dipping full beams for oncoming cars – 48% do this out of courtesy.
4. Keeping a steady speed in traffic – 46% aim for smoother journeys.
5. Flashing headlights to say thank you – 43% use this gesture.

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Polite but Risky: Gestures That Can Lead to Fines

Although these habits come from a good place, three of the most common ones could actually break the rules and cost you dearly. For example, waving to say thank you could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points. Flashing your headlights to warn other drivers about upcoming speed cameras can also result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence. Even using your hazard lights to say thank you to a driver behind you could land you an unlimited fine and three penalty points.

Why the penalties? According to Rule 160 of the Highway Code, drivers must always maintain full control of their vehicle, which means keeping both hands on the steering wheel whenever possible. Gestures such as waving or flashing lights for non-emergency reasons can be classed as careless driving, which risks both fines and points on your licence.

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Politeness on the Road — Done Safely

Julie Daniels from the Compare the Market car insurance team explains the value of staying courteous while following the law:

“Being a courteous driver is about showing consideration and patience to others on the road. Small acts of kindness and understanding can help create a safer and more pleasant driving experience for everyone.”

The takeaway? Being thoughtful behind the wheel is always encouraged — but it’s best done in ways that don’t risk your safety or break the law.

If you’ve found yourself with penalty points or a driving conviction, getting affordable car insurance can be challenging. At Got You Covered, we specialise in helping drivers with previous driving convictions find the right cover at a competitive price.

Learn more about your options here: Convicted Driver Insurance.

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Sources:

BirminghamLive

Compare the Market – Unofficial Rules of the Road

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