Motorists could be slapped with a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points on their driving licence for eating or drinking behind the wheel, according to experts.
Car insurance specialists at Tiger.co.uk stressed eating inside a vehicle was not “technically illegal” but road users could still be caught out for distracted driving. This could become more of an issue if motorists “lose control of their vehicle” as a result of digging into their lunch or dinner. Specialists warned road users caught out could be penalised for “careless or inconsiderate driving” which comes with a hefty price tag. Tiger.co.uk made the revelation as they broke down motoring myths road users may not be aware of.
They said: “While it is not technically illegal to eat or drink when driving, doing so could still see you hit with a fine.
“Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that ‘safe driving and riding needs concentration’ and specifically advises drivers to avoid distractions such as eating or drinking.
“Put simply, if police determine that eating or drinking behind the wheel has caused you to become distracted and lose control of your vehicle, you could be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving – which carries a fine of up to £5,000 and up to 9 penalty points.”
Careless driving is when motorists fall below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver.
This includes road users who are found to be driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Road users are likely to take their hands off the steering wheel to eat while they may not be looking at the road as they focus on their sandwich or bowl of food.
Breakdown experts and car insurance specialists at the RAC also suggested that eating could backfire.
However, they suggested road users were unlikely to be fined four-figure fees right from the offset.
They commented: “No, it’s not illegal to eat while driving. However, if you get distracted while snacking behind the wheel, the police could prosecute you for careless driving if they consider you to not be in proper control of the vehicle, an offence which carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.”
