The Highway Code Rule That Could Land Drivers With a £5,000 Fine This Summer 

Bright conditions could spell disaster for drivers as the summer sun arrives 

With summer around the corner, drivers travelling up and down the country could be unaware of the Highway Code laws they’re breaking. Driving experts are warning Brits of five common summer habits that could land them with driving fines of up to £5,000, along with penalty points on their license.  

From taking hay fever tablets, to wearing the wrong shoes, ATS Euromaster have revealed the habits that could land you with a hefty fine this summer. 

1.      Wearing your flip-flops 

Whilst slipping on a pair of flip-flops in the summer can be so easy, it is advised that they should not be worn when driving. 

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that clothing and footwear should not prevent you from being able to use the controls. The lack of footwear backing means the sandals can slip off, get caught under the pedals or snap completely and prevent you from pressing the brakes in case of an emergency stop.  

This could land you a £100 on-the-spot fine and if taken further, a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and potentially a driving ban. 

2.      Drinking water 

While it’s not illegal to have a non-alcoholic drink when driving, drivers can be hit with a careless driving charge should it cause them not to be in safe control of the car. Rule 148 of the Highway Code says that “safe driving and riding needs concentration”.  

This could land them an on-the-spot fine of £100 and 3 points if their focus is diverted by a drink, but in more serious cases, where a potential incident is caused by it, it can be up to £2,500. 

3.      Driving with hay fever 

Driving while suffering with hay fever and being unable to operate a vehicle due to eye irritation, coughing or sneezing could result in £2,500 in fines.  

A simple solution of taking hay fever tablets could put drivers at further risk as you can be convicted for taking legal drugs that affect your driving and cause drowsiness. This could also make your case worse and land you a further fine of up to £5,000. 

4.      Not keeping the car ventilated  

Lack of air ventilation in the car could see drivers charged under Rule 237 of the Highway Code which states vehicles must be kept well-ventilated “to avoid drowsiness”. This means drivers should ensure they keep a window open where possible or in case of stand-still traffic use their air conditioning.  

Failure to properly use ventilation in their car could land drivers fines of up to £5,000 in most serious cases and three points on a license. 

5.      Driving when there is sun glare 

According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers need to slow down or pull over if they are “dazzled by bright sunlight”. In an ATS Euromaster study, it was revealed 60% of drivers don’t reduce their speed when there is sun glare. 

Not only is It important to slow down but failure to have proper control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead could leave drivers with a £1,000 – £5,000 fine and three points on their license. 

Scott Calland

Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.

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