Every motorist is aware that speeding can land you with big fines and points on your licence, but what about driving too slowly?
You can land you in hot water if your driving is considered to be a danger to other road users, with penalties for dangerous or inconsiderate driving if your behaviour is considered a hazard.
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Driving below the limit
A speed limit is not a target – how many times did your driving instructor tell you that? However, driving too slowly or braking without good cause is an offence, coming under the scope of ‘inconsiderate driving’. This is defined as driving a vehicle on a road or in a public place without reasonable consideration for other people. In order to prove that you're guilty of this offence, prosecutors must show that another driver was actually inconvenienced by your driving.
So, while you’re unlikely to get your collar felt for driving at 30mph in a 40mph zone, or 20 in a 30, if you’re driving below 50mph on a motorway you could find yourself facing a fine of up to £1,000.
Why is this?
A slow moving vehicle on a fast road can be considered an unexpected hazard for other motorists, who may not be expecting you to travel so slowly. If they have to brake hard, swerve or take evasive action as a result of you dawdling, then there’s a very strong argument that your driving is in breach of the law.
Traffic police are told to look out for drivers travelling too slowly as much as they’re told to look out for faster drivers, not least because such behavior often leads to suspicion of drink or drug-induced driving. You may not have consumed either, but you could still be fined and get up to six points on your licence if the police can show evidence of you creating a road hazard.
Also, don’t join a motorway while travelling too slowly. The Highway Code states that when joining a motorway, you should check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane – the worst thing you can do is stop and give way, as a car pulling in front of a faster-moving car will cause that driver, and probably others further back, to brake sharply, which can lead to a collision.
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How do I make sure I’m not breaking the law?
If you’re a nervous driver, especially on motorways and dual carriageways, you may feel more comfortable driving slowly, but the risks are actually greater in doing this than travelling at (or close to) the legal limit. It’s a less stressful experience, too, as you’ll merge far better with the surrounding traffic.
If you’re driving slowly on a single carriageway and are feeling pressurised by traffic behind you, then simply find a safe place to pull over and allow the following traffic to pass. It will be less stressful and less frustrating for everyone.
