Here is a list of summer driving laws that cost you thousands in fines if the rules are broken.
For example, people may choose to wear flip-flops in warm weather. But driving in a pair could land you with a fine.
Driving specialists at ATS Euromaster have listed the following habits that go against the Highway Code, reports Birmingham Live. Scroll down to see the five rules that could affect drivers this summer.
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Wearing flip-flops
It is advised that flip-flops 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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