Eight Driving Laws Motorists May Unknowingly Break in Summer

Millions of motorists across the UK could be unknowingly breaking driving laws as the brighter months arrive, according to new research highlighted by insurance experts at Zego.

While 45% of drivers say they feel less confident driving in darker evenings, the shift to lighter conditions brings its own risks. Sun glare alone is linked to around 25 to 36 fatal accidents in the UK each year, with everyday habits potentially leading to serious penalties.

From footwear choices to how you use your phone, some offences can result in fines of up to £5,000, penalty points, or even driving bans.

Everyday Habits That Could Land You in Trouble

1. Hay fever tablets and drug driving laws

Some over the counter antihistamines can impair driving. If they affect your ability behind the wheel, the penalties are the same as drug driving. This includes a minimum one year ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record lasting 11 years.

Ingredients such as chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine and promethazine are known to cause drowsiness.

2. Eating while driving

There is no specific law against eating behind the wheel. However, if it distracts you, it could lead to a careless driving charge. This carries a £100 fine and three penalty points, rising to £5,000 and a possible ban if the case goes to court.

3. Wearing flip flops

Drivers must wear suitable footwear under Highway Code Rule 97. Flip flops can interfere with pedal control. If they contribute to unsafe driving, penalties can reach £5,000, nine points, and a potential ban.

4. Loud music with windows down

Excessive noise can prevent drivers from hearing emergency sirens. This could lead to a noise abatement notice, and in some cases, the vehicle being seized if the driver fails to comply.

5. Sunglasses after dark

Wearing tinted lenses in low light conditions can reduce visibility. If this impairs your driving, it could result in a careless driving charge and a fine of up to £2,500.

Visibility and Vehicle Condition Risks

6. Dirty or cracked windscreens

A damaged or dirty windscreen can worsen the effects of sun glare and reduce reaction times. Around 3.7 million UK drivers are estimated to have windscreen damage affecting visibility.

7. Using a phone without a proper mount

Using a phone as a sat nav without a secure mount breaks the law. The penalty is £200 and six points, enough to revoke a newly qualified driver’s licence in one offence.

Mobile phone use is linked to around 500 casualties on UK roads each year.

8. Dirty number plates

Under the Road Vehicles Regulations 2001, an obscured number plate can result in a £1,000 fine. This often becomes an issue in spring when dirt builds up over winter.

Warning From Experts

A spokesperson from Zego said:
“Every summer we see the same patterns in claims and incidents, and a lot of them come down to habits people don’t even think of as risky. Eating a snack on a long drive, popping your usual allergy tablet, kicking your shoes off when it’s warm; these are things people do every single day without a second thought. The law sees it very differently, and the fines are serious enough to put a real dent in anyone’s summer.”