Seven summer Highway Code driving mistakes which could land you a hefty fine

Driving in the summer months can be a sweaty and uncomfortable affair but don’t be tempted to kick of those shoes while you’re behind the wheel.

Driving in flip flops or barefoot could land you with a whopping fine of £5,000. And so could driving with music blaring.

Bryn Brooker, at UK dash cam leader Nextbase, is keen to make sure drivers are aware of all the Highway Code rules which could see result in penatlies.

READ MORE: Highway Code changes that every driver should know

Driving in flip flops or barefoot

It might feel far too hot in your car to wear shoes, but the temptation to drive in flip flops should be resisted. Rule 97 of the Highway Code urges drivers to wear clothing and footwear that “do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”. That doesn’t mean that driving with flip flops on is automatically illegal – but it is definitely not a good idea, as your sandal could get stuck between your foot and the pedal. Similarly, a sweaty foot could let your foot slip off the brake at a crucial point. If it is determined that your ability to control your vehicle is compromised by your footwear, you could end up fined up to £5,000, have nine points added to your licence, and have your licence suspended.

Packing too much luggage

Big road trips usually involve a lot of bags, but you should be careful about how these are packed. The Highway Code states that all windows and windscreens be kept clear from obstruction. So if your bags are piled so high you can’t see clearly out of any of your windows – even a single one in the back – you risk a £50 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

Keeping your windows closed and A/C off

With fuel still very expensive, it might be tempting to save some pennies by letting your car get very warm, with closed windows and the A/C off. But doing so could put you on the wrong side of Highway Code rule 237 which states that a car must be kept “well ventilated” in hot weather to reduce drowsiness. Not doing this could in the worst case result in a £5000 fine. If you’re looking to save money this summer – a dash cam will be a far better investment, as it will keep your insurance costs down and could save you thousands in the event of an incident.

READ MORE: Four men charged over Frome bus crash

Driving with the music too loud

Long summer drives are a great time to enjoy your favourite tunes, but it’s crucial to maintain focus and prioritise safety. The Highway Code emphasises that playing music at excessively high volumes can lead to distracted driving. While there isn’t a specific legal limit for the maximum volume of your music, you may face penalties for driving while distracted including a fine of up to £5,000 and a ban.

Blaring music can hinder your ability to hear important sounds on the road, such as vehicle horns, level crossing signals, and emergency service sirens. These auditory cues play a crucial role in maintaining awareness and reacting promptly to potential hazards.

Driving while dazzled by the sun

Glare from the sun is a serious road safety issue, contributing to thousands of accidents every year. Unsurprisingly, the Highway Code has something to say about this – rule 237 advises that drivers should slow down if dazzled by the sun and if needed stop their car completely. Continuing to drive while dazzled could result in a £5000 fine and three points on your licence. But worse than that it could easily result in a crash.

Using your phone to pay at a drive-thru

It’s natural to pair a road trip with drive-thru purchase. But the increasing number of people who use their phones as their main way of paying for things should be careful: Using your phone to make a payment at a drive-thru is only permissible when your vehicle is stationary, the handbrake is engaged, and the engine is switched off.

Now, I’ve never heard of anyone actually being prosecuted for this one – and the idea is essentially comical. But technically you could face a fine of £200 and receive six penalty points on your licence. So if you have a card on you it makes sense to use that instead.

Sleeping in your car

A lot of people will be driving off to summer festivals or events this year where they will make the absolutely correct decision to not drive home after a few drinks. But if you do find yourself in this position, it’s best not to lie down in the back of your car to sleep it off.

The law states that individuals in charge of a motor vehicle should not be intoxicated. Being asleep in your car can be interpreted as being in charge if no one else is in the vehicle, leading to potential charges and a minimum of 10 penalty points and a fine. So the best course of action is to find somewhere else to sleep.

That said, it’s certainly a much better decision that driving home or anywhere else drunk. So if there is absolutely no other alternative, pick sleeping in the back over driving. And don’t assume that a little bit of shut eye will do it – hundreds of drink drive accidents happen every year in the morning, with hungover drivers whose judgement is still impaired. It takes on average about one hour to break down one unit of alcohol – meaning four big glasses of wine or strong beers could take around 12 hours to fully break down. It’s not worth the risk to start driving before you are completely in control again.

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