Drivers who smoke risk £100 fine

DRIVERS who smoke could see themselves fined for the way they dispose of their cigarette butts.

Throwing a cigarette butt out of the window can be classed as “incorrect disposal” and can see drivers faced with a fine of up to £100.

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Motorists have already been caught out and fined for throwing rubbish out of their windows and the rules are no different for smokers.

Not only does the rule ensure smokers are doing their bit to help the environment but it clamps down on littering.

It also means that drivers won’t be throwing anything in to the path of oncoming pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

The rule is mentioned in The Highway Code, which has just been revamp for 2022.

Rule 147 says: You MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle; for example, food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags.

“This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.”

If caught throwing a cigarette end out of the window, drivers will be facing fines of between £50 and £100.

This rule also counts to any passenger in a car.

Smoking in a car is still legal, but only if every passenger in the car is over the age of 18.

If caught smoking with someone under the age of 18 in your car, you can get handed a £50 fine.

This isn’t the only fine drivers need to watch out for.

In relation to the Highway Code revamp, drivers can now be penalised for using their phone behind the wheel at any point.

This even includes to take photos and videos, when stopped at red lights and when stuck in slow moving traffic.

If you get caught using your phone behind the wheel, it’s a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

Elsewhere, are you up to date with the new Highway Code rules that have come into effect?

Plus, drivers will soon be fined by their local council for a string of “minor” traffic offences.

And cyclists will be able to ride in the centre of the lane, at certain times, in the Highway Code revamp.