Drinking water or coffee at the wheel could end up costing motorists nine penalty points.
Drivers have been warned of the dangers of sipping drinks while in the road.
While it is only illegal to drink an alcoholic beverage for drivers, they can be hit with a careless driving charge should it cause them to be distracted.
Police can deem you were "driving without due care and attention" if your focus is diverted by a drink, with hot coffee cups and bottles often proving a problem.
Other offences that can be classed as ‘careless’ and land drivers a fine and penalty points include listening to loud music, trying to read maps, adjusting the radio/music, arguing with passengers and smoking.
Driving without due care and attention, or careless driving, carries a £100 fine and up to three penalty points on your licence.
But if you were to cause injury it could be nine points, a fine of up to £5,000 and potentially even a court-imposed driving ban
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: "Eating at the wheel is just another classic example of multi-tasking that can take your attention away from safe driving.
"Obvious cases such as juggling hot drinks or a sandwich can be easily spotted by traffic police who can issue an on the spot ticket for careless driving.
"That quick snack could end up costing you £100 fine plus three points on your licence so it’s always worth taking a proper break."
Eating at the wheel is also something drivers must be careful of.
"Even if you try to hide that swift chocolate bar you are eating if it leads to a loss of control crash and a more serious charge, then the courts may take the fact you were eating into account and increase your fine and ban," he wartned.
"It is always worth remembering with careless driving it is the impact on your driving and how it is seen by the police to effect other road users that leads to the charge.
"So any form of eating could land you in trouble if you end up swerving or weaving across the road."
Under rule 148 of the Highway Code it states that “Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as eating and drinking.”
