We all make mistakes in life, but on the highway, they can be dangerous – and prove costly. Driving blunders could land you with a hefty fine, points on your license, or even a court date – and some driving mistakes are more common than you think. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you’re aware of them.
Staying on the right side of the law doesn’t just keep you out of trouble – it also makes the roads safer for everyone. Here are the common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Ignoring the Left Lane Rules
Are you a left-lane hog? In many states, it’s illegal to drive in the left lane unless you’re overtaking. The left lane is for passing slower vehicles, not cruising. It disrupts the flow of traffic and will get you a ticket if law enforcement catches you. If you’re not actively passing someone, move over to the right.
Rolling Through Stop Signs
You must come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Crawling through can earn you a ticket for failing to stop. Police officers watch for this common mistake, especially in residential neighborhoods and intersections with limited visibility. Always stop completely behind the white line and take a good look around before moving.
Failing to Use Turn Signals
Turn signals are a legal requirement because forgetting to signal before turning, changing lanes, or merging can confuse other drivers and cause accidents. Failing to signal could also earn you a ticket. Make it second nature to flick on your blinker every time – and stay on the right side of the law.
Texting While Driving
It’s illegal to drive when distracted, and texting behind the wheel is going to cost you if caught. In most states, using a handheld device while driving will lead to steep fines or points on your license.
Just glancing at your phone takes your eyes off the road long enough to cause an accident. If you must message, pull over first or use hands-free features like voice commands or Bluetooth.
Overloading Your Vehicle
Do you pack your car to the brim for every road trip? You shouldn’t because overloading can get you in trouble. Exceeding your vehicle’s weight limit is illegal because it affects handling, braking, and safety. In some states, it can result in fines. Check your car’s manual for its weight limits and stick to them. When loading up, make sure items aren’t blocking your view.
Driving with Expired Tags
Police officers regularly scan plates – and expired registration can result in tickets, penalties, or even impounding your car. Your registration sticker probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but driving with expired tags will get you pulled over.
Renewing your tags is one of those simple tasks that’s easy to forget. Set a calendar reminder or keep track of your registration expiration date.
Forgetting to Turn On Headlights
It’s illegal – and dangerous – to drive without headlights at dusk or in bad weather. Many states require headlights to be on whenever visibility is low, like during rain or fog. Automatic headlights make it easier, but they don’t always activate in every situation. If unsure, it’s switch them on manually.
Blocking Crosswalks at Stops
When you pull up to a stop sign or traffic light, make sure your vehicle stays behind the white lines. Stopping in the middle of a crosswalk might not seem like a big deal, but it’s against the law. Blocking a crosswalk forces pedestrians to step into traffic, putting them at risk. It could also land you with a fine.
Speeding in School Zones
Kids are unpredictable and could easily run into a road without thinking. That’s why school zones are clearly marked – and slowing down saves lives. Ignoring reduced speed limits in these areas is dangerous and carries steep fines and penalties.
Police often monitor school zones to catch speeding drivers, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.
Improper Lane Changes
No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, never weave in and out of traffic without signaling or checking blind spots. It’s reckless, dangerous and illegal. Unsafe lane changes put everyone on the road at risk and often result in tickets or accidents. The rules are simple: always signal, check your mirrors and blind spots, and move only when it’s safe.
Ignoring Yield Signs
Failing to yield when required can lead to dangerous collisions and – you guessed it – tickets. When you’re merging onto a highway or approaching a roundabout, slow down and check for oncoming traffic.
If another vehicle has the right of way, let them pass. Yield signs aren’t suggestions; they’re the law.
Driving Too Slowly
It’s not just speeding that can land drivers in trouble – so can driving too slow. Impeding the flow of traffic is illegal in many states. That’s because driving significantly below the speed limit can frustrate other drivers, cause backups, and increase the risk of accidents. If you’re uncomfortable driving at the posted speed, then choose a less busy route.
Forgetting to Clear Snow and Ice
In winter, it’s not enough to clear just your windshield. Many states require drivers to remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road.
That’s because snow flying off your roof or hood can obstruct your vision or strike other cars, leading to accidents. Ignoring this rule could result in fines or liability for accidents.
Tailgating Other Drivers
Tailgating – driving too close to the vehicle in front – is bad driving and could cost you a ticket. It reduces your reaction time, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. If the car in front of you breaks suddenly, you might not have enough space to stop safely.
Most states have laws requiring a safe following distance, and violating them will result in a fine. The general rule is to leave at least three seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
Ignoring Emergency Vehicles
Every driver is legally obliged to yield to emergency vehicles. When an ambulance, fire truck, or police car approaches with lights and sirens, you must pull over and let them pass. Check your mirrors, slow down, and move to the right. Failing to do so delays help for someone in need – and you’ll deserve a stiff penalty.
Parking in Fire Lanes
Never park in fire lanes – even for a minute. They’re reserved for firefighters and first responders, who require clear access to buildings in case of emergencies, and blocking these areas puts lives at risk. Look for red curbs, signs, or painted markings that indicate fire lanes, and always park in designated spots.