We all know the dangers of drink driving, but did you know you could be fined up to £5,000 if you are found behind the wheel of a car while vaping?
Although e-cigarettes do not have the same effect as alcohol, such as impeding your reaction time or control of the vehicle, motorists who are distracted by smoking could still unwittingly cause an accident.
According to the Liverpool Echo, rule 148 of the Highway Code stipulates that drivers should “avoid distractions”, with smoking and vaping being two such examples.
Subsequently, drivers could be fined £100 if they are found to be careless and unable to control their vehicle due to smoking or vaping. This is because vape clouds can result in visual impairments, making it harder for the driver to see obstacles in the road.
In worst case scenarios, they might even be made to pay £5,000 and be given nine penalty points or banned from driving.
Although the penalty is substantial, most people do not seem to be aware of the rules regarding smoking or vaping in the car. In fact, IAM RoadSmart’s latest poll revealed more than half (57 per cent) of smokers with a full driving licence said they smoked or vaped while behind the wheel. A quarter of these admitted they do so regularly.
Director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart Neil Greig said: “It may be tempting for smokers to light up while behind the wheel, and while this may be legal, smokers should be aware that ultimately this could lead to a substantial fine, something nobody needs during the cost-of-living crisis.”
This comes after the charity revealed 42 per cent of drivers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland do not know the legal drink-drive limit.
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