With the summer holidays fast approaching or starting today for many, families will be gearing up to get away for a few weeks.

But drivers are being reminded of the rules in place when travelling with their family this summer for fear of breaking the highway code and receiving a hefty fine.

Many will be travelling the country for camping, sightseeing or family visits, and bringing many of their possessions with them.

But there lies an inherent risk for drivers and others using the road around them.

Moneyshake has looked into driving laws that you’re probably breaking without even realising during the summer months, which could leave you with a nasty fine or even points on your license.

Eben Lovatt, CEO at Moneyshake said "Drivers planning staycations with bikes and luggage should be careful to avoid overloading their car or covering their licence plate, as they could be fined up to £2,500.

"While some offences seem unlikely to result in a fine, it's still very possible that you could be penalised for not following the Highway Code in hot weather.

“We recommend you don't take the risk, as heatwaves are for enjoying, not for losing your licence."

The AA has also warned of the dangers of overloading your car as stuff can slide around or tipping when you brake or turn can be dangerously distracting.

There is also risks with breaching the car's weight limit.

As spokesman for the AA said: "If you put too much weight in your car, a number of problems could occur. You’ll suffer from reduced handling and performance, with stopping, starting and turning all negatively affected.

"Heavy loads can also increase the amount of wear and tear on key components within your car, such as the engine, suspension, brakes and tyres – leading to costly repairs."

Overloading your car is also an offence, punishable with a fine (usually between £100-£300) and 3 points on your licence.

A car overloading penalty will normally consist of a fixed penalty fine of either £100 (less than 10% overloaded), £200 (between 10%-14% overloaded) or £300 (15% overloaded and over). You will also likely get 3 points on your licence.

For serious cases of overloading a vehicle (30% and above), you could receive a court summons. The most severe punishment possible would be a 2-year prison sentence if found guilty of Dangerous Driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

 

Highway Code changes that took place last year

8 UK driving laws you could be breaking as Met Office predict UK heatwave

Here is Moneyshakes's list of 8 UK driving laws we all break without knowing during a heatwave

1) Freeing a dog from a hot car

Max penalty: 10 years in prison

We all know that you should not leave your pet in a hot car, under any circumstances. But what happens if you do see a dog suffering in the heatwave – are you allowed to break the window and free them?

If you can’t justify breaking into the car, it could be seen as criminal damage. The Crown Prosecution Service states that destroying or damaging someone else’s property could land you up to 10 years imprisonment.

If an animal is suffering in a hot car, dial 999 and the police will give you advice on what to do.

2) Wearing sunglasses – or not wearing them

Max penalty: A ban, 3-9 points and an unlimited fine

Everyday sunglasses can be too dark for driving, according to the AA. Some sunglasses can also affect your sight, as the edge of the frame blocks your peripheral vision. If your sunglasses aren’t fit for driving, you could be penalised for careless and inconsiderate driving.

On the other hand, the Highway Code says you should pull over if you are ever ‘dazzled by bright sunlight’. If you aren’t wearing the correct sunglasses that safely prevent you from being dazzled, you could risk being hit with a fine for careless driving.

3) Contactless payment at the drive-thru

Max penalty: A ban, 3 points and a £1,000 fine

With more drive-thrus reopening, drivers are encouraged to use contactless payments. But if you use the likes of Google Pay and Apple Pay at the drive-thru window, you could be penalised for using your mobile phone while driving.
4) Not turning on the AC or opening a window

Max penalty: 2 years in prison, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

Rule 237 of the Highway Code says you must keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Driving while tired isn’t an offence, but the AA says it can drastically increase your chances of driving dangerously, which can result in a serious penalty.

Recently, we recorded the temperature inside a car reaching a sweltering 33°C, which is hotter than the average summer in Mexico!

5) Hay fever medication

Max penalty: 6 months in prison, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

A 2018 study revealed that 60% of hay fever sufferers admit taking medication before they get behind the wheel. But hay fever meds can result in sleepiness and blurred vision, which would make you unfit to drive.

A new Highway Code rule from 2015 (rule 96) says that you must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicine.

6) Bringing your bike

Max penalty: £1,000 fine

Rear-mounted bike racks are a cheap and convenient option for bringing your bike on a trip. But these racks can cover your licence plates, which will land you a hefty fine and your car will fail its MOT. 

If you do drive with a rear-mounted bike rack, consider a lighting board to display your licence plate, reflectors and lights clearly.

7) Overloading the car

Max penalty: 3 points and a £2,500 fine

Thinking of packing your camping gear in the boot or towing your family caravan? Beware of overloading the car.

Rule 98 of the Highway Code says you should not overload your vehicle with a weight that’s greater than the manufacturer’s recommendation. You could land a penalty for using your vehicle in a dangerous condition.

8) Driving on wet roads after a summer shower

Max penalty: 2 years in prison, a ban, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

According to the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA), asphalt roads can ‘bleed’ through to the surface in hot weather after rain, which reduces skidding resistance and makes the road more slippery.

Thanks to the unpredictable British weather, you could find yourself driving in a heatwave after a sudden downpour. Drivers should beware – if you cause an accident on a slippery road, you could be convicted for dangerous driving.