Drivers ‘face three points on licence’ over little-known reversing rule

Motorists could find themselves in trouble with police

05:30, 25 Aug 2025

There's a little-known reversing 'rule' which could land drivers into trouble with police.

Many motorists may not be aware that they should not reverse their vehicle for long distances.

Travelling in reverse over extended distances increases the risk of crashes due to limited visibility and increased difficulty in steering.

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If someone reverses for too long, they risk a charge of careless or inconsiderate driving.

They could be hit with a GBP100 fine and three penalty points on a licence - but experts warn more serious cases could result in a GBP2,500 fine and up to nine penalty points.

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Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explains: "There are some driving scenarios where an extended reverse is entirely necessary.

"You might, for example, need to reverse down a narrow single-lane track to find a passing place if you encounter another vehicle coming in the opposite direction.

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"But if you're reversing is deemed 'further than necessary' and puts other road users at risk, you could be in trouble.

"The law doesn't set out a specific distance it deems as being too far.

"But if you're reversing down a row of traffic to bag the parking spot you've just driven past on the school run, you could be in trouble.

"The law is also in place to stop dangerous reversing on motorway slip roads and at roundabouts."

Graham added: "That rule is in place to make sure a fastened seatbelt doesn't prevent someone - potentially an individual with impaired mobility - from turning around properly to see behind them when reversing."

References

1. ^ Midlands towns and cities named among worst places to live in the entire country (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Do you support a ban on pavement parking? (xd.wayin.com)
3. ^ our WhatsApp community (chat.whatsapp.com)
4. ^ click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ CLICK HERE TO JOIN (chat.whatsapp.com)
6. ^ Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here (www.birminghammail.co.uk)