Common summer driving mistakes that could cost UK drivers £14,000 in fines

If tyres are underinflated that can "also affect your car's handing and put you at risk of blowouts." Tyres must be up to scratch otherwise this will lead to hefty fines of up to GBP2,500 per tyre, and "up to three points on your licence for each tyre that is found to be illegal."

Cinch motoring expert, Ben Welham shares how to check your tread depth if unsure, "using a 20p coin, make sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin." To check tyre pressure you have to examine your owner's manual, sometimes there could also be a "sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge."

At the last resort, if you are still not sure, "most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free." Cinch also have their own guide to "looking after your tyres and what happens if you don't"[7] on their website.

What the law says

The Annex.

6 Penalties of The Highway Code[8] states: "Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects."

"Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference."

Using your phone as a Sat Nav without mounting it properly - GBP200 fine

Driving with your phone whether on your lap or holding it to look at directions is illegal. "It must be mounted in a fixed position and used hands-free" It is dangerous to hold your phone but can also lead you to receiving a "GBP200 fine and six penalty points."

What the law says

Rule 149 of The Highway Code[9] states: "You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving."

Drivers are not permitted to use a device in their hand for any reason for the following:

• Stopped at traffic lights
• In a traffic queue
• Driving a car that turns off the engine when you have stopped moving
• Holding and using an offline or in-flight mode device

Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine

Make sure you are well-rested and not tired before beginning a lengthy journey to stay alert.

Falling asleep when driving is a major offence and may "increase your chances of causing an accident on the road." Welham advises people to take "regular breaks" "It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals." Do not rush your journey and avoid resting.

"If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break - avoid pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actual emergency."

What the law says

Rule 91 of the Highway Code says, "Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended."

Obstructing your view with luggage - up to GBP1,000 fine

Blocking your view with luggage and bags can land you a fine of up to GBP1,000 and three points. Welham stresses, "Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey.

Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking."

What the law says

The Annex.

5 Penalties of The Highway Code states: "Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a GBP1,000 fine plus three penalty points."

Driving over 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - GBP100 to GBP2,500 fine

Driving a car while towing a caravan has its own speed limits and you must stay at a "safe reduced speed" at all times. Consequences of not abiding by this law is a penalty of up to GBP2,500 fine and a driving disqualification.

What the law says

Rule 124 of The Highway Code outlines: "You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle."

The reduced speed limits for cars towing caravans are:

• Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph
• Single carriageways: 50mph
• Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph
• Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph

Parking in an unsafe place to make a pit stop - GBP100 fine

When taking a restroom break or grabbing some food you must make sure that your car is parked properly or bear the consequences of a GBP100 fine. Welham highlights, ""Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal," But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians."

What the law says

Rule 243 of The Highway Code state which places to avoid parking or stopping in:

• Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
• In front of an entrance to a property
• On a bend
• Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
• Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
• Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
• Near a school entrance
• Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
• Where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities
• At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
• Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
• On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing

Leaving the engine running to take photos - up to GBP1,000

Taking photos while passing a scenic view is tempting but you must make sure your engine is switched off before leaving your car.

It is a driving offence to leave the engine running as you are now not in control of your car.

You can be fined GBP1,000 and issued three penalty points.

What the law says

Rule 123 of The Highway Code explains: "You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road."

References

1. ^ drivers (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Highway Code (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ cinch (www.cinch.co.uk)
4. ^ 2/3 of British drivers (www.smarthomecharge.co.uk)
5. ^ 'I tried Fox's new pistachio flavour biscuits - there's one thing you need to know' (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^ Drivers discover that arrow button on car dashboard is 'better than air-con' (www.mirror.co.uk)
7. ^ "looking after your tyres and what happens if you don't" (www.cinch.co.uk)
8. ^ The Annex.

   6 Penalties of The Highway Code (www.gov.uk)

9. ^ Rule 149 of The Highway Code (www.gov.uk)