UK drivers given ‘urgent warning’ over £5,000 fines

Some parts of the country are set to hit highs of 19°C and 20°C this week, hotter than Athens, as a spell of warm weather arrives.

With sunshine on the horizon, Brits are expected to flock to the roads, but drivers have been given an “urgent warning” over common warm-weather habits which could land them with a hefty fine, or even points on their licence.

Mel Savage, Head of Underwriting Operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has highlighted the everyday summer driving habits that could see motorists hit with penalties.

Driving in flip-flops or barefoot

Heading to the beach in flip-flops might seem harmless, but drivers could land a £100 fine and three penalty points.

While it’s not illegal to drive in flip-flops, sandals or even barefoot, it is strongly discouraged as it can affect your ability to stay in proper control of the vehicle, something that’s even more important when driving larger vehicles like a motorhome.

In more serious cases, motorists could face fines of up to £5,000 if inappropriate footwear is found to have contributed to an incident.

As this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, best practice is to keep a suitable pair of shoes in the car to change into before setting off.

Eating ice cream or food while driving

Much to many drivers’ surprise, eating behind the wheel isn’t actually illegal. However, problems arise if tucking into summer treats, like ice cream, doughnuts from the pier, or even sipping a drink, distracts you from the road.

In these cases, you could be charged with careless driving, resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, the penalties can be far steeper, with fines of up to £5,000, nine points on your licence, or even a driving ban.

Wearing sunglasses that restrict vision

While it’s not illegal to wear sunglasses behind the wheel, in fact, they’re recommended in bright conditions, drivers should be careful about the type they choose. Heavily tinted lenses, such as those that let in very little light, can impair vision and are not suitable for driving.

Under the Highway Code, drivers must ensure they have a clear view of the road at all times.

Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, or £2,500 for commercial drivers, and three penalty points.

In more serious cases, such as if poor visibility contributes to a collision, motorists could face harsher penalties, including disqualification or even imprisonment.

Driving with pets unrestrained

Heading to or from a dog walk in the sunny weather could land you with a £1,000 fine if your four-legged friend isn’t properly restrained, as outlined in Highway Code Rule 57.

Drivers are required to ensure pets are secured so they can’t distract or injure anyone in the vehicle.

In more serious cases, fines can rise to £5,000, along with penalty points on your licence. If an incident occurs, you could also risk invalidating your insurance.

Overloading your car or motorhome

Overloading your vehicle can also land you with a hefty fine, with penalties varying depending on the severity of the offence.

Drivers can face fines ranging from £100 to £300, based on how much the vehicle exceeds its legal weight limit.

In more serious cases, motorists could be taken to court, where penalties may be far more severe under the Road Traffic Act 1988, including larger fines and even a prison sentence.

Driving with the music too loud

Driving with music too loud is one of the lesser-known Highway Code rules that could land motorists with a fine, which could reach up to £5,000 in the most severe cases.

The Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions, and loud music can interfere with concentration, potentially leading to careless driving charges.