Making A 'Rude Hand Gesture' In Road Rage Could Land You A £1,000 Fine

We've all been there, haven't we? In the Co-op car park just after work when someone starts reversing out of their spot without noticing that huge lump of metal you happen to be driving right behind them, and you can't help but call them a 'FUCKING BELLEND' as you throw your arms around. Look, it's been a stressful day, alright?!

Or when someone pulls out of a junction right in front of you - complete dick move. And don't even get me started on people that don't say 'thanks' - they're the worst human beings to grace this Earth and surely no one could blame you for flipping the bird in their direction, while hoping and praying they're looking in their rear view mirror.

But you might want to watch out before you start having a paddy at a fellow motorist over the busy Christmas period - it could see you slapped with a fine, setting you back up to £1,000 ($1,260). Not really what you want right now, is it?

The Sun has reported that anyone making a 'rude hand gesture' behind the wheel could be slapped with a fine to the tune of 75 percent of their weekly wage - which is capped at a grand.

Making a rude gesture (no matter whether you think it's warranted) is classified as 'disorderly conduct' and appears under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

PA

So before you extend your middle finger in a careless driver's direction, remember you're breaking the law.

The police could also be able to fine you for 'not being in full control of a vehicle' if you take your hand off the wheel to 'speak your mind'.

As well as the financial slap on the wrist you could also end up with three penalty points. Merry Christmas.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, told the Sun: "A small minority of drivers think that being sat in their car exempts them from an offence like this.

"However, this kind of antisocial behaviour can land you in hot water and take you on an expensive trip to the courts. Road users have a duty of care to each other, so keeping your cool and remaining focused is important.

"Your hands should remain on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Rather than let the tailgater get under your skin, where safe to do so, it is better to let them pass so you can carry on your journey in a calm manner."

Fair enough. Not sure it's ever going to be as satisfying though, is it?

Topics: Christmas, UK News, Driving, Interesting, Car, Community, Cars

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94