Summer Driving Habits That Could Land You Fines of Up To £5,000 - News

TrackDays.co.uk, the UK's leading provider of driving experiences, examined the Highway Code and uncovered three surprising summer driving regulations that could lead to unsuspecting drivers facing fines of up to £5,000.

Flipping hell… wearing flip-flops while driving

Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires that clothing and footwear do not hinder vehicle control. Flip-flops or sliders could violate this rule by slipping off, getting stuck under the pedals, or making it hard to brake quickly, potentially causing erratic driving or accidents.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) requires shoes to have a sole no thicker than 10mm—not too thin or soft. They must offer good grip, not be too heavy, allow free ankle movement, and be narrow enough to prevent pressing two pedals at once.

If a driver subsequently crashes while wearing flip-flops, they might be charged with "driving without due care and attention," resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points. In court, the fine could reach £5,000, with nine penalty points and possibly a driving ban.

Sneezy does it… driving with hay fever

According to NHS estimates, about one in four people in the UK experience hay fever, which puts millions at risk of being caught off guard. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and sneezing, even in mild cases. However, it's crucial not to succumb to the urge to rub your eyes while driving, as doing so could be considered dangerous driving.

Taking your hands off the wheel to scratch your eyes or diverting your attention while sneezing could lead to charges of "failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle", particularly if an accident occurs. This can lead to eye-watering fines of up to £1,000.

Shady business… driving with sunglasses

Motorists who wear sunglasses when driving in a tunnel or as dusk approaches could be breaking Highway Code Rule 94, which increases their risk of a collision. 

If a collision occurs because a driver does not adhere to Rule 94, the driver could be committing the offence of failing to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road ahead. This can result in fines of up to £1,000, three points on their licence, or disqualification.

Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, commented: "Summer sees more Brits going on road trips for day trips and weekends away. However, ignoring lesser-known rules about flip-flops, hay fever, and sunglasses could turn a sunny day into a costly one. Staying informed will help motorists keep their summer enjoyable and safe and prevent themselves from coughing up eye-watering fines."