Motorists face driving ban and £5,000 fine over 3 unfamiliar UK rules

Motorists are being warned about three driving habits that could land them with fines of up to £5,000 this summer. As the school term begins and holiday season ends, many Brits will be preparing to get back to their busy schedules.

The last thing anyone wants is an unexpected fine or penalty points on their licence spoiling their well-deserved break over the summer.

With this in mind, experts have highlighted three rules that drivers need to be aware of.

TrackDays.co.uk, the UK's leading provider of driving experiences, has delved into the Highway Code to highlight three lesser-known driving rules that could see unsuspecting motorists hit with hefty fines.

Here's what you need to know, reports Mirror.

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

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) mandates 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 free movement of the ankle, and be narrow enough to prevent pressing two pedals at once.

Should a motorist subsequently crash whilst sporting flip-flops, they could face charges of "driving without due care and attention," leading to a £100 penalty and three points on their licence.

When taken to court, the fine could soar to £5,000, accompanied by nine penalty points and potentially a driving prohibition.

NHS figures suggest approximately one in four Britons suffer from hay fever, placing millions in danger of being caught unawares.

Symptoms may encompass itchy eyes, a blocked nose, and sneezing, even in minor instances.

Nevertheless, it's vital to resist the temptation to rub your eyes whilst behind the wheel, as this could be deemed dangerous driving.

Removing your hands from the steering wheel to scratch or losing focus during a sneezing fit could result in accusations of "failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle", especially should an accident happen.

This can trigger eye-watering penalties reaching £1,000.

Motorists risk breaching Highway Code Rule 94 should they don their sunglasses when navigating through a tunnel or as evening draws in, heightening their chances of a collision.

Should a crash occur due to non-compliance with Rule 94, a driver might be committing the offence of failing to maintain adequate vehicle control or complete road visibility.

This carries penalties of up to £1,000, three licence points or disqualification. Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, warned: "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, safe and prevent themselves from coughing up hefty fines."