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Drivers warned making this mistake at traffic lights could land you in legal trouble

Drivers risk legal liability under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if their vehicle lurches into another after a rear impact at red lights, warns UK motoring law expert.

  • UK drivers have been warned that sitting in gear at traffic lights could lead to legal liability if involved in a crash, as advised via USA Today and noted it may not reflect The Herald's view.
  • Staying in gear while stationary can cause a forward lurch if drivers stopped at traffic lights are bumped from behind, which could make their foot slip off the clutch and hit the car ahead.
  • Legal experts say sitting stationary with the car in gear and the clutch engaged could lead to charges of Careless Driving, and `in more serious cases where significant harm is caused, a driver could even face charges of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving`.
  • Neil Sargeant warns that sitting with the car in gear and foot on the clutch at traffic lights can cause legal issues if an accident occurs, risking liability for secondary collisions.
  • Coverage portraying the ordinary behaviour at lights may prompt drivers to change their habit, as media coverage and USA Today could amplify the advisory.
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Oxford MailOxford Mail
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Drivers warned making this mistake at traffic lights could land you in legal trouble

Brits are being warned against sitting in gear while stopped at traffic lights as it could see them face legal action

·Oxford, United Kingdom
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The Northern Echo broke the news in County Durham, United Kingdom on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
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