Motorists risk a £1,000 fine for opening a car door into stationary traffic, a mistake that can endanger motorcyclists legally filtering between lanes. Under Regulation 105 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, it is an offence to open, or cause or permit a vehicle door to be opened, so as to injure or endanger anyone. Road users found breaking the rules could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Why the risk is real
Long traffic jams on UK roads, caused by crashes, closures, or popular events, can leave vehicles gridlocked. Passengers may want to stretch their legs, walk the dog, or get games out of the boot for kids. However, opening a car door into moving traffic is dangerous because motorcyclists are still legally allowed to filter between lanes, meaning one could pass at any time. An unexpected open door can be devastating for riders, who may have nowhere to go but straight into it.
Expert warnings
Dale Gillespie, motoring and motorcycle expert and COO of Iron Offroad, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, said: "When traffic has been stopped for a long time, people naturally forget that motorcycles may still be moving through the traffic. One opened door can be enough to cause a serious crash."
Gillespie added: "No one likes being stuck in traffic, but your car really is the safest place to be, no matter how long the queues. In slow-moving traffic, you might not hear a motorbike until it’s too late. Keeping your doors closed is the easiest way to protect yourself and others."
Compensation claims
Motorbike Injury Lawyers have previously stressed that there will be "a valid claim for personal injury compensation" in the event of an accident with a car door. They explained that if a driver opens a door into the path of a biker, then "it should be a clear, valid claim in favour of the rider". If a passenger is responsible, the rider can still make a claim from the driver’s insurance, as the person in charge of the vehicle can still be liable for the actions of passengers.
