Drivers have been warned about three habits that could see you fined around £5,000 this summer
Drivers have been warned about three driving habits that could see them fined around £5,000 this summer. As the school term ends and out-of-offices go on, many people will be people across the country will be getting ready to set off on holiday in their cars.
After waiting all year for a much-needed break, the last thing anyone needs is an unwanted fine or points on their licence disrupting their getaway. With that in mind, experts have shared three rules drivers need to be aware of.
TrackDays.co.uk, the UK’s top driving experience provider, reviewed the Highway Code to reveal three surprising summer driving rules that could result in unsuspecting drivers being slapped with fines of up to £5,000. Here’s what you need to be aware of.
Don’t wear flip-flops while driving
Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires that clothing and footwear must not hinder control of the vehicle. Flip-flops or sliders could violate this rule by slipping off, getting stuck under the pedals, or making it hard to brake quickly, potentially causing erratic driving or accidents.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) requires shoes to have a sole no thicker than 10mm—not too thin or soft. They must offer good grip, not be too heavy, allow free ankle movement, and be narrow enough to prevent pressing two pedals at once.
If a driver subsequently crashes while wearing flip-flops, they might be charged with “driving without due care and attention,” resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points. In court, the fine could reach £5,000, with nine penalty points and possibly a driving ban.
Don’t drive if you have hay fever
According to NHS estimates, about one in four people in the UK experience hay fever, putting millions at risk of getting caught off guard. Symptoms can include itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and sneezing, even in mild cases.
However, it’s crucial not to give in to the urge to rub your eyes while driving, as it could be considered dangerous driving. Taking your hands off the wheel to scratch or diverting your attention while sneezing could lead to charges of “failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle”, particularly if an accident occurs. This can lead to eye-watering fines of up to £1,000.
Be wary of wearing sunglasses while driving
Drivers could be breaking Highway Code Rule 94 if they wear their sunglasses when driving in a tunnel or as dusk approaches, putting them at increased risk of having a collision.
If a collision were to take place as a result of not adhering to Rule 94, a driver could be committing the offence of failing to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road ahead. This is associated with fines of up to £1,000, three points on their licence or being disqualified.
Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “Summer sees more Brits going on road trips for day trips and weekends away. However, ignoring lesser-known rules about flip-flops, hay fever and sunglasses could turn a sunny day into a costly one. Staying informed will help motorists keep their summer enjoyable, safe and prevent themselves from coughing up hefty fines.”
