IF you’re on a long journey then you might want to have a drink or a snack.
However, is this legal? Here is all you need to know about the laws regarding eating and drinking while driving.
Is it illegal to eat while driving?
Rule 148 of the Highway Code says that “safe driving and riding needs concentration”.
Research by the University of Leeds suggests that the reaction times of motorists who are eating were up to 44 per cent slower than usual.
Police have warned that even a short lapse in concentration can have serious consequences for all road users.
While it’s not illegal to eat while driving as there’s no specific law against it, drivers should be cautious as it can be almost as dangerous as using a phone while driving.
If you get distracted while snacking behind the wheel and lose control of your vehicle as a result, the police may prosecute you for careless driving.
The offence carries a fine of £100 and three penalty points on your licence.
In more serious cases, or those that are contested in court, the charge can attract a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.
Is it illegal to drink while driving?
Just like eating behind the wheel, having soft drinks while you’re driving is not illegal, but it could carry the same careless driving penalty if you’re distracted.
So you need to be sure that you are still paying attention to the road.
If you lose control of the vehicle and drinking has been considered a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and could risk paying a fine of £100 as well as three penalty points.
However, in some situations, it can also be dangerous not to have any drink in the car as it can lead to dehydration.
Scientists at Loughborough University found that driving while dehydrated can be just as dangerous as drink-driving as it can cause a loss of focus and lead to drowsiness and slower reaction times.
So it’s important to make sure you are hydrated before you head out in your vehicle.
Drinking alcohol while driving on the other hand is a criminal offence that can carry severe penalties.
We’ve also explained what the fine is for drink driving in the UK and what the guidelines say about the drink drive limit.
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine
