What is Vehicle Nuisance and Anti-Social Driving?

Whilst many of us are careful to be considerate to others when we’re out and about, there are some drivers who use their vehicles in a way that negatively affects others. Such actions are a nuisance at best, and a danger at worst, disturbing neighbourhoods, intimidating other road users and presenting a risk not only to the perpetrators themselves, but also those around them. 

Fortunately, behaviour like this is considered worthy of intervention by local authorities here in the UK, and it’s important to know the channels through which to report such issues. Here we look into what anti-social driving is, what kind of nuisance can be caused by vehicles and what the law says. We also explain how to report bad behaviour on the roads and in your community - read on to find out more...  

What is anti-social driving? 

To put it simply, anti-social driving is anything that causes distress or alarm; a careless activity that disturbs those in the area, is seen as aggressive, and/or causes danger.  

These are the types of nuisance that can be caused by cars, motorbikes and vans: 

Street cruising 

Usually a way to show off a group’s cars or bikes, street cruising involves a large group travelling at speed, largely ignoring traffic signals and therefore putting other road users at risk. Such a large group can often attract spectators too, gathering dangerously at the side of the road, causing noise and dropping litter. 

Many councils have vowed to crack down not only on drivers participating in these meets, but also those attending, organising or publicising them too. 

Racing 

It goes without saying that street racing is extremely dangerous, and often involves high speeds, weaving through traffic, and stopping at nothing to ‘win’ - even red lights! This leaves other road users as well as pedestrians considerably vulnerable, and those found guilty of putting others in this position through street racing can be prosecuted under UK traffic law.  

Tricks and stunts 

Those screeching tyre noises from your local car park alongside circular tyre marks are telltale signs of a ‘doughnut’, a stunt performed in a car that is illegal here in the UK, along with other car tricks. 

This behaviour is not only dangerous, but pretty annoying to those in the local area too, so if you haven’t got prior permission from the police to perform stunts as part of an organised event, keep your car on the straight and narrow. 

Using unlicensed powered vehicles 

Unless you’re on a private road or have the permission of the road or land owner, unlicensed powered vehicles such as minibikes, hoverboards, motorised scooters and ‘GoPeds’ are prohibited on both public roads and on pavements. 

Use of public roads requires you to have a good understanding of correct and considerate use, and this can’t be guaranteed with an unlicensed vehicle! 

Misuse of off-road vehicles 

If you’ve got the opportunity to ride quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes or anything else intended for off road use, be mindful that you should only be doing so on private land with the land owners permission. Use of these vehicles in public parks, in particular, is prohibited - as you can imagine, this would somewhat disturb the peace if nothing else!

What are the laws around vehicle noise? 

One of the biggest ways a vehicle can cause nuisance is through noise pollution - with hefty exhausts and powerful speakers, a lot of damage can be done! We expect our homes to be a haven of peace and quiet, but when local motorists regularly rev through that tranquillity, what does the law say? 

In terms of the way a car is made, manufacturers of cars produced since 2016 have been legally obligated to fit exhausts that are no louder than 72 decibels, and are ‘type approved’ before they’re sold to ensure they’re within this limit. The after-market modification of an exhaust that makes it louder than when it was type approved is illegal. 

Noise made by any exhaust that is above 74 decibels is considered illegal - that’s a little less than the noise made by your average vacuum cleaner. 

This type of anti-social motoring behaviour is a problem regardless of locality, and the law remains the same throughout; if you’re found to be causing a nuisance through excessive exhaust noise, you’re risking an on-the-spot £50 fine! 

How can you report anti-social driving and car behaviour? 

If you know the perpetrator of the antisocial driving behaviour and feel safe enough to have a friendly conversation with them to explain your concerns, we’d suggest that this be your first approach. 

However, if this isn’t the case, or if the noise continues, a report to the police either online or via the 101 non-emergency line, or to your local authority, is your best bet.  

Upgrade your car at Wilsons Epsom 

Every motorist is welcome to upgrade their car here at Wilsons; providing you drive it considerately, of course! With a wide range of both new and used vehicles available from our Epsom dealership, we’re committed to providing you not only with plenty of choice but plenty of help in your decision-making too.