I think by now, most people are aware it is illegal to use a hands held mobile phone whist driving. But that is not all, for the GEM Motoring Assist has come up with a list of other distractions some of which, drivers can be prosecuted.
For instance, you cannot eat or drink behind the wheel and while you can smoke, lighting the cigarette in the first place causes driver distraction by taking hands off the wheel to ignite but disposing of the cigarette out of the window is an offence as it may hit or distract another motorist or motorcyclist.
This actually extends to any rubbish being thrown out of the car. So the upshot is you either keep the inside of your car stinking of nicotine and unfinished fast food take-a ways or have a little plastic bag to keep all your rubbish in.
Other misdemeanours are reading maps while driving, women applying make-up and men shaving all of which could lead to substantial fines and penalty points being awarded.
Having you dog in the front is not illegal but can cause driver distraction so is not recommended.
Oh, my puppy loves sitting in the front with me while I test-drive cars. How am I going to find the heart to tell him he has been relegated to a cage in the back!
Jackie Violet