Driver fined for blowing his nose in stationary car

A motorist has told of his disbelief at being fined for blowing his nose while his vehicle was at a standstill. Michael Mancini had stopped his van in traffic and wiped his nose with a handkerchief.

When he moved off, he was pulled over by police who told him he had not been in control of his vehicle. Mr Mancini, from Ayrshire, was handed a £60 fixed penalty and given three points on his driving licence.

He said: "I thought they were joking and that it was a wind-up. I was stopped in traffic and had the handbrake on and thought to myself, 'Ive just got time to blow my nose.'



"Then police pulled me over and I was booked. I genuinely thought they were joking, that it was a wind-up." The incident occurred in October, but Mr Mancini has refused to pay the penalty.

His solicitor wrote to prosecutors earlier this month explaining the offence could not have occurred because Mr Mancini's handbrake was on. But prosecutors replied the next day warning that if the fine wasn't paid, the case would be taken to court.

Mr Mancini added: "I intend taking this all the way to court. I still don't believe it actually happened."

Update: There's a news video here.