'Law is clear' as drivers face £5,000 fine for 'rude' action

Drivers could face penalties of up to £5,000 for carelessly soaking pedestrians during wet weather. Speeding through puddles and drenching nearby pedestrians is not merely thoughtless but can also pose risks, whether carried out deliberately or accidentally.

While the Highway Code doesn't explicitly reference splashing pedestrians, legislation exists regarding driving with due care and attention.

Section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to speed through puddles and drench pavement users, as this constitutes driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons". This means motorists caught committing such acts could face substantial penalties.

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Penalties for soaking pedestrians

Usually, drivers caught drenching pedestrians will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and possibly three points on their licence. Nevertheless, if proceedings reach court, the driver faces a significantly steeper fine of up to £5,000.

Penalties are typically determined by various considerations, including the degree of distress caused by the incident and the extent of inconvenience suffered.

Adam Jones, a legal expert at HD Claims, said: "Most people think it’s just rude – but the law is very clear. Splashing someone deliberately, or failing to slow down and causing a soaking, can lead to a fixed penalty or even a court summons. At best, it's £100 and three points. At worst, it's five grand and a criminal conviction."

How to avoid splashing pedestrians and receiving a fine

By following some basic safety guidance, it can be easy to avoid splashing pedestrians and therefore avoiding a hefty fine. Generally, a car will make a large splash when going over a puddle at high speeds.

Firstly, the driver should consider whether it's safe to avoid the puddle and not drive through it at all. However, if the road conditions mean that the car has to go through the puddle, reducing the speed slightly can significantly lessen how large a splash from a puddle will be.

Jones added: “Failing to take care in wet weather can land you with more than just a fine. You risk points on your licence, higher insurance premiums – and if you cause injury, even civil claims.”

HD Claims also advises drivers to drive cautiously through flooded streets, especially urban areas where there is a higher risk of splashing pedestrians.