Dogs, music and sat-navs: 5 bizarre driving fines that could cost you thousands this Easter Bank Holiday
14 million UK motorists are at risk of driving offences that could cost up to £1280 in fines
More than 14 million car trips are planned as Easter weekend and school holidays clash this weekend, the RAC has warned. Motorists have been warned to follow these steps to avoid hefty fines.
Motoring experts at ATS Euromaster have researched five unknown driving fines that you need to be aware of before you set off on a car journey this Easter.
1. Having pet passengers – up to £5,000 fine
As family road trips often take place over Easter, pet owners are being warned that allowing your pet to lean out of the window could result in a hefty fine of up to £5,000.
The Highway Code states that pets must be safely restrained in a way that prevents them from distracting the driver or causing injury to themselves or the driver in the event of an emergency stop.
The government website provides a list of suitable restraining methods, such as seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, and dog guards. The type of restraint depends on what is best for each pet, so owners should test a few versions to make sure their pet is happy and comfortable for long journeys.
2. Unsecured sat-nav – up to £1,000 fine
Traveling to new places and using your sat-nav to help guide you is common. However, similarly, to using a phone at the wheel, punishments also apply when using a sat-nav that is not secured in a proper holder.
If you are caught using your phone or a loose sat-nav, you risk 6 penalty points and a £200 fine, increasing to £1,000 if it goes to court.
3. A change in Bank Holiday parking charges – up to £80 fine
Whilst many believe parking restrictions don’t apply on bank holidays, they usually do. You’ll need to check at parking machines, or you could get a Penalty Charge Notice costing anything between £50 and £80.
If a sign states restrictions apply Monday to Saturday, this also counts on a bank holiday unless the sign says otherwise. This is also applicable for single and double yellow lines.
4. Playing music too loud – up to £5,000 fine
Long road trips often call for a great playlist, but drivers are being warned that this distraction can cost you.
Rule 148 of the Highway Code deems excessively loud music as a distraction worth a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. The fine is to deter people from being distracted and missing potential hazards. If the level of music is so loud, it can be classed as driving under dangerous circumstances, which results in a £5,000 fine and a possible driving ban.
5. Not cleaning your car – Up to £1,000 fine
Failing to clear any dirt that obscures your front or rear number plates could earn you a fine of up to £1,000 if they are impossible to read by eye and APNR cameras.
According to the Highway Code, annex 6, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates must be kept clean and clear”.
Drivers should make a habit of checking their number plates before and after long journeys, specifically if there has been a lot of rainfall, to make sure it is readable before the next trip.
To ensure you aren’t breaking any laws when driving, make sure to check the Highway Code for all road safety and vehicle rules.
Sources:
Highway code Annex 6
