With almost 19 million Brits set to hit the road over the bank holiday weekend, drivers are being warned
Motorists could be hit with fines of more than £5,000 this May bank holiday weekend as millions embark on journeys during what’s expected to be the hottest late May bank holiday in years. Drivers planning day trips and other excursions are being cautioned about the penalties they may inadvertently incur.
Nearly 19 million Brits are expected to take to the roads over the bank holiday weekend as warm weather arrives, representing an increase of one million compared to the late May bank holiday last year. Experts have flagged up the surprising yet commonplace driving behaviours during congested holiday traffic that could result in motorists receiving penalty points, substantial fines, or even imprisonment, reports Birmingham Live.
To help drivers stay safe on the roads, Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has outlined five lesser-known reasons drivers may be violating the Highway Code this bank holiday and the penalties they could face – including not being careful with their sat nav, phones and pets.
Hawes said: “As millions of drivers head out over the long weekend, it’s important to remember that the roads will be busier and enforcement is often stepped up. Simple oversights can lead to costly penalties, such as driving with unrestrained pets, overloading the vehicle, and driving while tired.
“Our advice is simple: plan, secure everything properly, take regular breaks, and keep your focus on the road. A bit of preparation can help ensure a smooth and safe journey.”
Pet passengers: up to £5,000 fine
Pet owners are being warned that leaving an animal unrestrained could result in a fine of up to £5,000. Rule 57 of the Highway Code requires pets to be properly secured so they cannot distract the driver or harm themselves or others during an emergency stop.
The government website offers advice on appropriate restraining techniques, including seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, and dog guards. The most suitable restraint depends on the animal, so owners should try several options to ensure their pet is content, comfortable, and safe for long trips.
Unsecured sat-nav or phone: up to £200 fine
Heading to unfamiliar destinations and relying on your sat-nav or phone navigation for directions is commonplace, but it’s crucial to make certain the devices are firmly mounted. You must use a secure holder and ensure the device doesn’t obstruct the view of the road.
Rule 149 of the Highway Code makes it illegal to hold or use any handheld device (phone, sat-nav, tablet) while driving or in traffic. If you’re caught holding or using a device, you will receive a £200 fine and six penalty points.
Eating or drinking while driving: up to £100
While eating and drinking behind the wheel isn’t against the law, it can easily distract motorists and diminish their control of the vehicle. Removing a hand from the wheel or diverting concentration, even momentarily, heightens the risk of accidents, especially during busy travel periods like bank holidays.
The Highway Code (Rule 148) states that drivers should avoid distractions to maintain concentration. This can include other things, such as trying to read maps and starting or adjusting music or the radio.
Overloading
Going beyond your car’s advised load limit can make the vehicle harder to handle and push up fuel costs. It can also put pressure on the tyres and suspension, potentially raising the risk of a collision.
Rule 98 of the Highway Code stipulates that motorists must not overload their vehicles. Breaching the manufacturer’s specifications could lead to a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points, and in more severe cases—such as if a crash happens—it might even render your insurance invalid.
Driving while tired: unlimited fine
Heat can leave you feeling exhausted. The main reason is that your body has to work considerably harder to regulate its internal temperature. Driving while severely fatigued is deemed dangerous and carries substantial risks. Driver tiredness is estimated to contribute to 10–20% of all road collisions.
According to rule 91 in the Highway Code, you must “not begin a journey if you are tired” and should ensure you get “sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey”. Those convicted of dangerous driving can face an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and, in the most serious cases, up to 14 years in prison.
