Sneezing at the Wheel: A Fine Offence in The United Kingdom

There’s a legal surprise in the UK that could make drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel if they feel a sneeze coming on. Believe it or not, sneezing while driving could have you facing a hefty fine in this part of the world.

The Legality of Sneezes

In the UK, drivers are expected to be in full control of their vehicles at all times. Anything that significantly reduces your ability to do so could potentially be subject to a fine. This includes the mere act of sneezing.

Dominic Watt, a motoring expert at First Vehicle Leasing, explains, “Under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers are legally responsible for being fully in control of their vehicle. This extends to any activity that may divert your attention or cause physical disruptions, such as sneezing.”

Unforeseen Consequences of a Sneeze

The logic here is simple. Sneezing can cause your eyes to close involuntarily, temporarily impairing your vision. Add in the violent jerky motion that can accompany a particularly aggressive sneeze, and it’s understandable why this could be considered distracting, and potentially dangerous while driving.

As Dominic Watt puts it, “It’s about the potential consequences. Studies have shown that sneezing can cause your eyes to close for up to three seconds. At 70mph, a car can travel up to 103 meters in that time. That’s a lot of distance to be blind on the road.”

Understanding the Fine

Drivers can face fines between £100 and £1,000 if they are deemed to not be in full control of their vehicle. While sneezing alone is unlikely to result in such a hefty fine, it could still contribute to one if it results in an accident or a near miss. Here are some key points to note:

• The level of the fine is discretionary and is determined by the traffic officer or court.
• Not having control of the car due to sneezing could be considered a ‘negligence’ charge.
• The fine may be elevated if the sneezing resulted in an accident or other traffic offense, such as speeding due to loss of control.

Protect Yourself from Unwanted Fines

Avoiding fines related to sneezing while driving may seem like a tricky situation. However, there are some tips from our expert, Dominic Wyatt, to help manage potential sneezes on the road:

1. Preparation: If you are feeling unwell or know that you are prone to sneezing, it might be best to avoid driving.
2. Control your vehicle: Always keep your vehicle under control and be prepared for a sneeze; reduce speed if you feel one coming on.
3. Pull Over: If possible and safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road to let out the sneeze.

Proper attention to these small yet significant aspects can prevent a sudden sneeze from putting a dent in your wallet. Remember, driving safely is not just about sticking to the rules of the road, but also about ensuring we are medically fit and able to drive without undue disruption.

Credit: https://www.firstvehicleleasing.co.uk/ for carrying out the above research