Five little-known Highway Code rules which get broken every day

Most of us like to think we're competent drivers and we know the important rules of the road. Some of these are obvious, like not speeding, stopping at traffic lights and when to give away at roundabouts.

But there are other more obscure rules tucked away in the Highway Code which would leave most motorists baffled. These are things which happen every day on the roads, despite them being against driving laws.

Most drivers don't know they are doing anything wrong when they do these things. While they may think it unlikely, they could be fined or hit with penalty points if caught by police. These are some of the little-known rules of the Highway Code.

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Brake lights when stationary

This happens everywhere, every day and most of us probably have no idea there's anything wrong with it. When stopped for a period of time, longer than a minute or two, drivers should not have their foot on the brake, and their brake lights should not be showing.

This includes when stopped in motorway tailbacks or in heavy traffic at roundabouts and traffic lights. Motorists should apply their handbrakes and take their foot off the brake. This is to stop drivers behind from being dazzled by bright brake lights.

Despite the rule, it's common to see motorists choosing to keep their foot on the brake rather than applying the handbrake.

Flashing lights

Headlights are flashed all the time, usually to allow a fellow motorists to turn into or out of a junction. They are used as a form of communication from one road user to another, telling them: "I'm leaving the way clear for you to go".

Often, the headlights will be flashed back as a thank you for this good turn. But the Highway Code states drivers should not do this.

Lights should only be flashed to let another driver know you are there, for example of a narrow blind bend when needed for safety reasons. There are other times lights are flashed when the shouldn't be.

These include alerting other motorists to a police speed camera van up ahead and trying to intimidate others to move out of the fast lane of the motorway. People should never do this.

Beeping horn when stationary

The horn should only be used in specific situations. It's more commonly associated with road rage, an expression of frustration at other drivers, or to urge someone to move when at traffic lights, for example. Friendly beeps also occur.

But the horn is for safety and should only be used to let another vehicle know you are there. The Highway Code states it shouldn't be used when stationary or after 11pm in built-up places, unless it's an emergency.

Giving way to pedestrians

A recent law change many motorists are unaware of. Pedestrians have the highest priority and drivers should give way to them if they want to cross at junctions, or walk out into the road to cross. This is the case even when not at pedestrian crossings.

Drivers may consider this to be unsafe and may sound their horns at pedestrians who walk out to cross. But pedestrians have the highest priority and should be allowed to cross at junctions. While pedestrians should never act recklessly, motorists need to be aware people may walk out into the road and be prepared to stop.

Touching phone in any way

Another fairly recent rule change involves the use of phones while driving. It's common knowledge people shouldn't make calls or send messages while behind the wheel but less well known is the fact motorists are not allowed to touch their phones at all.

This includes entering directions, changing a music playlist or checking social media - even when stationary and stuck in traffic or at traffic lights.