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<\/p>\nNow we're in September, the school run has become a big part of many parents' lives once again.<\/p>\n
However, did you know there are simple mistakes you could be making behind the wheel which could land you with fines of up to \u00a31,000?<\/p>\n
The car insurance team at Compare the Market has revealed potential driving offences parents should be aware of during the school run.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Drivers amazed as they discover 'magic' button that clears windscreen in seconds<\/b><\/p>\n
Check out more real life stories here<\/b><\/p>\n
And there may be some motoring rules that you weren't aware of.<\/p>\n
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Highway Code: 112<\/i><\/p>\n
Getting stuck behind a slow driver or a long line of traffic during the school run can be very frustrating, but it\u2019s important for parents to avoid sounding their horn aggressively to vent their frustration.<\/p>\n
According to rule 112 of the Highway Code, drivers should only ever use their horn when their vehicle is moving and they need to warn other drivers of their presence. Honking their horn without a good reason can result in a fixed penalty notice of \u00a350, which can increase to \u00a31,000 if challenged in court.<\/p>\n
Highway Code: 141<\/i><\/p>\n
Taking a shortcut through a bus lane can also be tempting for parents who are running late, but Highway Code rule 141 states that drivers should never drive in a bus lane unless otherwise indicated.<\/p>\n
Doing so can result in a fine of up to \u00a380, or up to \u00a3160 if caught driving in a bus lane within Greater London.<\/p>\n
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Highway Code: 123<\/i><\/p>\n
Even if you\u2019re sure you\u2019ll only be waiting for a few minutes, you should never leave your car engine running while waiting for your children to get out of school.<\/p>\n
Rule 123 of the Highway Code stipulates that drivers must never leave an engine running unnecessarily if the vehicle is stationary on a public road. You can be charged \u00a320 for failing to comply with this rule, or \u00a340 if issued a fixed penalty notice. Some councils may even allow traffic enforcement officers to issue a Penalty Charge Notice of \u00a380 for idling vehicles.<\/p>\n
Highway Code: 99<\/i><\/p>\n
When driving children to or from school, always ensure that they wear their seatbelts correctly. If a child under 14 is caught not wearing a seatbelt while you\u2019re driving, you can be fined \u00a3500.<\/p>\n
If you drive a vehicle that was made without seatbelts, such as a classic car, you aren\u2019t allowed to carry any children under three years old and children over three are only permitted to sit in the back seats.<\/p>\n
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Highway Code: 124<\/i><\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re late dropping the kids off at school after a hectic morning, or in a rush to pick them up on time at the end of the day, it can be tempting to ignore the speed limit and go a little faster on the roads.<\/p>\n
Speeding is illegal, and the minimum penalty is a \u00a3100 fine and three points added to your licence. The penalty is even more severe if you get caught a second or third time and receiving 12 or more points within three years can get you disqualified from driving altogether.<\/p>\n
Highway Code: 149<\/i><\/p>\n
If you need to contact a child or children to find out where they are when picking them up from school, never attempt to do this while driving \u2013 this includes texting, calling, or even checking where they are on location apps, such as \u2018Find my Friend\u2019. Rule 149 of the Highway Code warns drivers not to use a hand-held mobile phone (or similar device like a tablet) for any purpose while driving, as this can take your focus away from the road and your vehicle.<\/p>\n
Any driver caught using their phone at the wheel could receive a fine of up to \u00a3200 fine \u2013 which can rise up to \u00a31,000 for cars or \u00a32,500 for lorries and buses \u2013 and six penalty points.<\/p>\n
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Contravention code 53<\/i><\/p>\n
Some roads outside of schools operate a School Streets initiative, which applies temporary restrictions to motorised traffic on that road at drop-off and pick-up times. The aim is to reduce air pollution and improve road safety.<\/p>\n
If you drive down a road with School Streets rules in place during the period of traffic restrictions, you could be handed a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) under contravention code 53 for failing to comply with a sign indicating restrictions on vehicles entering a pedestrian zone. This could result in a fine of up to \u00a3130 in London.<\/p>\n
To avoid receiving a PCN, make sure to stay alert and pay attention to any signs in or around the streets outside the school.<\/p>\n
Highway Code: 243<\/i><\/p>\n
Even if there are no restrictions in place preventing you from driving up to the school, you should never stop or park your vehicle directly outside the school gates.<\/p>\n
Although it might be more convenient to park as close to the entrance as possible, doing so violates rule 243 of the Highway Code and could result in a fine of either \u00a350 or \u00a370, depending on the impact of the offence.<\/p>\n
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Highway Code: 123<\/i><\/p>\n
As well as warning drivers not to leave their engines idling while stationary, Highway Code rule 123 also states that you should never leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine still running. That means no getting out of the car to hug your kids goodbye at the school gates unless you turn the engine off first.<\/p>\n
Failing to comply with this can once again result in a fine of up to \u00a380.<\/p>\n
Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market comments: \u201cSchool drop off can be a chaotic time, with cars and children converging on the school gates and nearby roads. This can create a safety hazard, especially for young children.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo limit potential dangers, always pay attention to the traffic and pedestrians around you \u2013 especially with so many children in the area. That means avoiding any distractions such as using your phone while behind the wheel. If you need to contact your child, find somewhere safe to stop and park your vehicle first.<\/p>\n
"Fines can be costly, and penalty points can add to the expense, by potentially increasing the cost of your car insurance. To avoid paying the price, motorists should make sure to keep up to date with the rules of the road and drive safely at all times."<\/p>\n