MOTORISTS could be facing huge fines if they make a common mistake while behind the wheel.
Drivers who aren’t too familiar with the Highway Code will be shocked to learn that they could be hit with a £5,000 fine just for going about their normal everyday business.
GettyDrivers could be slapped with a £5,000 fine if they breach the Highway Code when driving[/caption]
GettySwerving across lanes could land you in hot water for driving without due care and attention[/caption]
The common mistakes that could land them in hot water while driving include eating, being distracted by passengers, adjusting their seat or swerving across lanes.
These behaviours could easily be considered as contributing to a ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’ offence or be classed as driving without due care and attention.
According to Rule 148 of the Highway Code, drivers must “avoid distractions when driving or riding such as…trying to read maps, starting or adjusting any music or radio…eating and drinking.
Under the Highway Code, motorists can be penalised for driving without due care and attention but this not necessarily a black and white offence.
However, any driving that demonstrates lack of alertness to the dangers of the road, or a disregard for other road users (whether deliberate or not), could fall under this category.
Read More in Motors
Allowing yourself to be distracted by passengers in the car, adjusting your seating position and swerving across lanes are just some other common examples of allowing yourself to be distracted while driving.
These offences could not only lead to fines of £5,000 but up to nine points on a driver’s license. Some motorists may even be disqualified from driving in serious cases.
It comes after changes to the Code last month meant that drivers could be hit with a £1,000 fine for opening their door wrong.
Motorists should also be alert as a Highway Code change in January meant there are £100 fines for stopping or parking in 12 new places.
Most read in Motors
Volkswagen Financial Services UK is reminding drivers to avoid the four common behaviours.
Research from the car finance provider shows that 24% of Brits are planning a domestic road trip this spring, with these journeys usually involving long drives.
Mike Todd, CEO at Volkswagen Financial Services UK, said: “Not everyone will be aware of these rules in the Highway Code, but it’s vitally important that people understand what they can and can’t do whilst behind the wheel.
“With Covid restrictions ending in England, we’re likely to see more drivers on the road so it’s important as ever to be alert and undistracted in the car.
“Knowing and complying with the laws of the road is essential not just to avoid a fine but to keep everyone on our roads safe.”
It’s also important to note that tuning your radio or touching your sat nav while you are at the wheel could also land you in some hot water.