Drivers could be hit with £1,000 fine for common ‘thank you’ gesture

A motoring expert has warned that drivers could be slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine for using a common ‘thank you’ gesture.

You may consider yourself a polite and courteous driver, always following the Highway Code to the best of your knowledge, driving at safe speed and occasionally showing your manners by thanking other motorists while on the road.

However, according to one driving expert, no matter your good intentions you could be unknowingly making a mistake that might hit you in your wallet. Some say it pays to be polite and show gratitude, but it appears not when on the roads. 

In typical British fashion, many motorists may be pleasantly taken aback by being let out at a junction by a kind motorist who has the right of way. They may wish to show them they are grateful and signal a ‘thanks’ with a quick flash of the lights, or a wave of the hand.

But these are exactly the kind of signals Compare The Market motoring expert Julie Daniels has warned drivers against using, as they could be handed out fines and incur three penalty points on their licence, as reported in Devon Live.

As explained by Julie, research conducted by the price comparison site’s car insurance team found that waving to say ‘thank you’ to fellow motorists is the most common driving courtesy, with more than 60 per cent of drivers admitting to doing just this. Many will be blissfully unaware of the potential consequences.

Julie said: “The Highway Code Two states you should drive with both hands on the wheel wherever possible, to ensure drivers are always in full control of the vehicle.

“If you are looking to thank other drivers for any reason, do so in a safe and legal manner, such as getting your passenger to wave on your behalf.”

According to the Highway Code, Rule 160 says: “Drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”

If a driver is found not to have proper control of their car, they could be slapped with a £1,000 fine, a discretionary disqualification, plus three penalty points on their licence.