More than half of UK motorists could be unknowingly breaking the law every time they check their phones with the engine running, according to new research.
Data suggests 57 per cent of drivers incorrectly believe using a mobile phone whilst stationary with the engine on is legal, despite this prohibition being in force for over two decades.
Nearly six in 10 motorists are also unaware that driving with a dirty number plate constitutes an offence, with only 42 per cent correctly identifying this as illegal.
The research uncovered further misconceptions about traffic regulations, with almost 70 per cent of respondents wrongly believing they cannot be prosecuted for middle lane hogging.
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Experts are warning that drivers could fall foul of Highway Code rules
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Women demonstrated better awareness of certain offences, with 66 per cent correctly identifying that driving with faulty headlights is illegal compared to just 44 per cent of men.
These findings suggest that confusion about driving laws extends beyond isolated regulations to encompass fundamental road safety requirements.
Tom Banks, spokesperson for Go.Compare car insurance, expressed concern about the findings: "The driving laws we have in place are there to keep everyone safe on the roads - so it's a bit worrying that so many people don't know what is and isn't illegal.
"The rule against using a mobile phone while driving - including when the vehicle is stationary - has been in place for over 20 years, yet our research shows that 57 per cent of drivers still think it's okay to do."
Millions of motorists have admitted to using a mobile device in a car
GETTYBanks urged motorists to refresh their knowledge, especially in regards to Highway Code changes that were introduced in 2022.
Several major updates were included in the 2022 refresh, including the hierarchy of road users, which outlined that larger vehicles should have more responsibility for their actions.
It also provided reminders for cyclists about where to travel on the road on certain highways.
Banks also warned about insurance obligations: "Driving without having car insurance in place is also illegal - so make sure you check out the options available to you before your car policy is set to run out.
"Getting your new policy in place ahead of time can save you money, too.
"Our latest research shows that buying car insurance 26 days before your renewal is due can save you 30 per cent."
According to Go.Compare, drivers are paying an average of £418 for their car insurance, which is the cheapest price since early 2023.
However, certain motorists are still losing out, with young drivers being forced to fork out an average of £828, compared to £362 for those over 50.
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Some surprising entrants were included on the list of the cheapest cars to insure GETTYThe driving laws Britons don't know about
- Swearing at other drivers - 87 per cent
- Charging passengers money for giving them lifts - 87 per cent
- Exiting the car while stopped on a single yellow line - 78 per cent
- Driving without sufficient washer fluid - 78 per cent
- Splashing pedestrians - 70 per cent
- Middle lane hogging - 69 per cent
- Sleeping in your car while drunk - 69 per cent
- Using your mobile phone as a sat-nav in an unfixed position - 68 per cent
- Honking your vehicle's horn at night - 68 per cent
- Driving with a dirty number plate - 58 per cent
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