As the summer quickly approaches and temperatures rise, many Brits will be getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine.
However, drivers are being warned of hot weather motoring habits which could land them hefty fines.
When it comes to driving in the summer, the Highway Code has a series of guidelines - under rule 237 - in place to ensure the safety of motorists.
Failure to adhere to the guidelines could see you slammed with a £1,000 fine, as you 'fail to have proper control' of your vehicle, Somerset Live reported.
Firstly, drivers are urged to keep their vehicle 'well ventilated' as the mercury rises. This is to avoid drowsiness and make sure you maintain full control at the wheel.
The Highway Code also says motorists need to be aware that roads can become treacherous if rain falls after a dry spell. It can cause the driving surface to turn 'soft' and become 'slippery', which will effect steering and braking.
Finally, the code urges people to slow down if they are dazzled by bright sunlight. In the worst case scenario of not being able to see at all, drivers are told to stop their vehicle completely.
Although the Highway Code alone is not the law, many of its instructions have legal muscle behind them. Road users who ignore the guidelines could be punished with traffic offences so it is important that you are aware of them.
The government says that “many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence.
“You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.”
It comes as it was revealed the Highway Code small print could see drivers fined £5,000 for driving while wearing flip-flops.
Rule 97 of The Highway Code states that your clothing and footwear should not affect your ability to safely use the controls of your car.
This means you might want to be careful when wearing loose or baggy clothes in the summer months, if there is a risk that it could stop you from driving carefully.
For example, flip flops could get caught under your pedals or snap completely, while a long skirt could risk getting trapped as well.
If you have an accident as a result of wearing flip flops, or are caught by the police, you could face a charge of “driving without due care and attention”.
This comes with a £100 fine and three points on your licence. This can be increased up to a £5,000 fine and nine points on your licence, or even a full ban from driving.
