Brits warned of three driving laws that could see them fined up to £5,000 this summer

Motorists are being cautioned about three driving habits that could land them with fines of up to £5,000 this summer. As the school holidays begin and many Brits prepare for their much-anticipated getaways, it's crucial to avoid any unexpected fines or penalty points that could put a damper on the holiday spirit.

To help drivers stay on the right side of the law, experts have highlighted three key rules to keep in mind. TrackDays.co.uk, a leading provider of driving experiences in the UK, has delved into the Highway Code to highlight three lesser-known summer driving rules that could catch out unsuspecting motorists with hefty fines. Here's what you need to know.

Avoid wearing flip-flops while driving

According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, your clothing and footwear should not interfere with your ability to control your vehicle. Wearing flip-flops or sliders could breach this rule if they slip off, become trapped under the pedals, or make it difficult to brake swiftly, potentially leading to erratic driving or accidents.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) stipulates that shoes should have a sole no thicker than 10mm - not too thin or soft. They should provide good grip, not be overly heavy, allow unrestricted ankle movement, and be narrow enough to prevent accidental operation of two pedals at once.

Driving with flip-flops could land you in trouble. Should an accident occur while a driver is wearing flip-flops, they may face charges of "driving without due care and attention," which can lead to a fine of £100 and three penalty points.

If brought to court, the fine could escalate to £5,000, alongside nine penalty points and even a potential ban from driving.

Stay clear from the wheel if you're suffering from hay fever

Reportedly, about one in four Brits suffer from hay fever, leaving millions at potential risk. Symptoms often include itchy eyes, nasal obstruction, and sneezing, even in mild cases.

However, all drivers need to resist the urge to rub their eyes while driving, as such actions may be deemed as dangerous driving. Actions such as removing your hands from the steering wheel to itch or being distracted by a sneeze may result in a charge of "failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle".

This could, particularly in the event of an accident, lead to steep fines of up to £1,000.

Mind your sunglasses while driving

Motorists might unknowingly break Highway Code Rule 94 whilst driving, specifically if they wear their sunglasses when driving into a tunnel or as the day turns twilit, thereby increasing their chances of an accident.

If a collision were to occur because of non-compliance with Rule 94, motorists might face the charge of failing to have full control of the vehicle or full view of the road ahead. This could result in penalties up to £1,000, acquiring three points on their licence, or even disqualification from driving.