Motorists who splash pedestrians with puddles while driving could face a fine of up to £5,000, according to UK law. The offence falls under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which prohibits driving 'without reasonable consideration for other persons'. This includes 'driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed'.
The maximum fine of £5,000 is reserved for cases that 'amount to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness'. However, most offenders are more likely to receive a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on their licence.
Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, warned that splashing pedestrians is not only inconsiderate but also a safety hazard. 'Drivers have no way of knowing what the road surface is under the puddle, causing unpredictable driving conditions,' she said. 'The water itself can cause the car to aquaplane – where the vehicle's tyres fail to grip the road and cause the driver to lose control.'
Stretton advised motorists to look out for large puddles, especially when pedestrians are nearby, to avoid hefty fines and ensure safety. 'Puddle rage really can lead to big fines,' she added.
