Common summer driving mistakes that could cost UK drivers £14,000 in fines
For UK drivers this summer it is easy to make these common Highway Code mistakes, but to avoid the monumental fines of £14,000, new research by cinch which is the UK's biggest online used car retailer share their advice to not get caught out.
2/3 of British drivers are planning a long trip but these are the top tips to ensure you do not make these expensive errors.
Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre - max. £10,000
Tyre pressure and tread must be checked by drivers before going on a long journey. 1.6mm is the minimum legal tread depth, "and bald tyres affect your car's grip and are unsafe" especially facing wet conditions.
If tyres are underinflated that can "also affect your car's handing and put you at risk of blowouts." Tyres must be up to scratch otherwise this will lead to hefty fines of up to £2,500 per tyre, and "up to three points on your licence for each tyre that is found to be illegal."
Cinch motoring expert, Ben Welham shares how to check your tread depth if unsure, "using a 20p coin, make sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin." To check tyre pressure you have to examine your owner's manual, sometimes there could also be a "sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge."
At the last resort, if you are still not sure, "most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free." Cinch also have their own guide to "looking after your tyres and what happens if you don't" on their website.
What the law says
The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states:
"Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects."
"Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference."
Using your phone as a Sat Nav without mounting it properly - £200 fine
Driving with your phone whether on your lap or holding it to look at directions is illegal. "It must be mounted in a fixed position and used hands-free" It is dangerous to hold your phone but can also lead you to receiving a "£200 fine and six penalty points."
What the law says
Rule 149 of The Highway Code states: "You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving."
Drivers are not permitted to use a device in their hand for any reason for the following:
Stopped at traffic lights
In a traffic queue
Driving a car that turns off the engine when you have stopped moving
Holding and using an offline or in-flight mode device
Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine
Make sure you are well-rested and not tired before beginning a lengthy journey to stay alert. Falling asleep when driving is a major offence and may "increase your chances of causing an accident on the road." Welham advises people to take "regular breaks" "It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals." Do not rush your journey and avoid resting.
"If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break - avoid pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actual emergency."
What the law says
Rule 91 of the Highway Code says, "Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended."
Obstructing your view with luggage - up to £1,000 fine
Blocking your view with luggage and bags can land you a fine of up to £1,000 and three points. Welham stresses, "Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking."
What the law says
The Annex. 5 Penalties of The Highway Code states: 'Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points.'
Driving over 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine
Driving a car while towing a caravan has its own speed limits and you must stay at a "safe reduced speed" at all times. Consequences of not abiding by this law is a penalty of up to £2,500 fine and a driving disqualification.
What the law says
Rule 124 of The Highway Code outlines: 'You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle.'
The reduced speed limits for cars towing caravans are:
Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph
Single carriageways: 50mph
Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph
Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph
Parking in an unsafe place to make a pit stop - £100 fine
When taking a restroom break or grabbing some food you must make sure that your car is parked properly or bear the consequences of a £100 fine. Welham highlights, "'Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal,' But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians.'
What the law says
Rule 243 of The Highway Code state which places to avoid parking or stopping in:
Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
In front of an entrance to a property
On a bend
Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
Near a school entrance
Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities
At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
Leaving the engine running to take photos - up to £1,000
Taking photos while passing a scenic view is tempting but you must make sure your engine is switched off before leaving your car. It is a driving offence to leave the engine running as you are now not in control of your car. You can be fined £1,000 and issued three penalty points.
What the law says
Rule 123 of The Highway Code explains: 'You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.'
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