Driving Tips
Emergency driving rules
Fines and penalties for breaking the rules of the road
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 29/01/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 29/01/2026
As reported in the Daily Mirror, The Sun and Express, Tempcover research has discovered that 68% of drivers believe it’s OK to break the law when driving during emergencies.
However, the “it was an emergency” excuse is unlikely to stand up in court and the rules of the road are not there to be broken. Drivers who do break the law - no matter how big the issue - are likely to land themselves a fine or even a ban.
Section 34 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 states:
Disqualification for certain offences.
(1)Where a person is convicted of an offence involving obligatory disqualification, the court must order him to be disqualified for such period not less than twelve months as the court thinks fit unless the court for special reasons thinks fit to order him to be disqualified for a shorter period or not to order him to be disqualified.
These special reasons show there are exceptions, but these are few and far between. AH Solicitors explains: ‘A special reasons argument is the opportunity to explain to the Court the circumstances in which the offence was committed. If the Court finds that special reasons exist they have the power to exercise their discretion and reduce the ban period, or not disqualify at all. If you are facing penalty points, the Court must either impose the correct number of points or find special reasons and not impose any. There is no discretion to reduce the number of points.’
Some drivers may believe it’s OK to park on yellow lines and to ignore any parking signs, especially if in the middle of an emergency.
Unfortunately for them, double yellow lines largely mean no waiting at any time, with the only exemptions being Blue Badge holders or vans and heavy goods vehicles that are loading and unloading (unless there are small double yellow lines painted horizontally on the kerb). As always, it’s worth checking on the rules with the local authority.
How much is the fine? That largely depends on the local authority…
There’s very rarely an exemption for speeding, even in an emergency. Mitigating circumstances include transporting someone in need of urgent medical attention or sudden mechanical failure, but you’ll need medical records or a mechanic’s verification to support your claim.
Even with this, it may be difficult and it’s advisable to seek legal advice before challenging any speeding charge.
If you get caught speeding, you could get:
You could also be invited to attend a speed awareness course as an alternative to the above speeding penalties. These courses, run by the not-for-profit UK Road Offender Education Scheme, focus on educating drivers about the dangers of speeding and help improve knowledge of road safety.
As some drivers have received fines for entering a bus lane to let emergency vehicles pass them, it will come as no surprise that driving in a bus lane or following an ambulance past traffic when you’re in a rush to get somewhere also has consequences.
Even if you were experiencing an emergency, you can expect to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCB) of between £70 (outside Greater London) and £160 (inside Greater London) - with these rates halved if paid within 14 days.
You can only drive in bus lanes if they have set times where they are open to all traffic.
The Highway Code Rule 112 states you should only use the horn:
‘while your vehicle is moving and when you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn
Except when another road user poses a danger.’
Beeping other drivers in an attempt to get slower drivers to move out of your way is not legal. You should use your horn to warn others of impending danger. Beeping your horn aggressively can land you with a fine ranging from £30 to £100 and could even potentially reach up to £1,000 if the case escalates to court.
Even if you’re dropping someone off outside a hospital, parking in an illegal area can result in a fine. This includes parking on a pavement. The penalties for parking violations can vary depending on the company that endorses it.
Our research also shows that 36% of drivers are unaware that driving without insurance - even in an emergency - could lead to their vehicle being impounded. Other penalties include 6 points and a fixed penalty of £300.
If you find yourself in an emergency and need to drive somebody else’s car, you can take out temporary car insurance. This offers comprehensive cover and peace of mind, so you can concentrate on staying safe - and free from fines - while on the road.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/road-laws-uk-drivers-think-36588652
https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/37976209/motorists-think-ok-to-break-road-laws-in-emergency/
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/2160738/drivers-break-road-laws
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/53/section/34
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/fined-for-moving-out-of-the-way-of-an-ambulance
