Summer road trips should be about freedom and fun, not costly fines and penalty points.
Yet as temperatures soar and Britain’s roads fill with holiday-bound drivers, thousands are unknowingly breaking little-known traffic laws that could cost them dearly.
Something as innocent as your dog enjoying the breeze through an open window could result in a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points, all without exceeding a single speed limit.
With warmer weather, longer road trips and more time spent outdoors, even experienced drivers are being caught out by seasonal laws and lesser-known motoring risks. The classic car insurance experts at Heritage Car Insurance reveal that common summer driving habits, often seen as harmless, can in fact lead to severe fines, penalty points and even invalidated insurance.
From sun glare and festival parking to driving while dehydrated and cracked windows, Heritage’s motoring experts have compiled a list of costly warm-weather mistakes that could cost UK drivers up to £5,000 and 9 points in the most serious cases.
Sun glare could be more dangerous than ice
With several heatwaves hitting the UK in recent months, one particular hazard is becoming increasingly common. Dazzling sunshine can significantly reduce visibility and lead to serious accidents. Under Highway Code Rule 237, drivers are required to slow down or stop altogether if they are blinded by bright sunlight. Failing to do so can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine and 3 penalty points, or in more serious cases, fines of up to £2,500 and 9 points for careless driving.
Crucially, police and insurers do not accept “the sun was in my eyes” as a valid excuse. Failing to adjust your driving or using inappropriate eyewear could even be classed as not having proper control of the vehicle, which also carries a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points.
Ensure your vehicle is well ventilated to help prevent drowsiness, especially on long journeys. Be mindful that road surfaces can soften in hot weather, and if it rains after a dry spell, roads may become unusually slippery, which can affect steering and braking. If you’re dazzled by bright sunlight, reduce your speed and, if needed, find a safe place to stop.
The hidden risk of letting your dog lean out of the window
You’re cruising down a country road, the windows are down, and your dog is loving life with its head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze. But while it might seem harmless and joyful, this could cost you far more than you might expect.
According to Highway Code Rule 57, dogs must be suitably restrained while travelling in a vehicle so they don’t distract the driver or interfere with control of the vehicle. If your dog is free to roam, or is leaning out the window, you could be pulled over and charged with driving without due care and attention.
Standard penalties start at £100 and 3 penalty points, but in cases where unrestrained pets contribute to accidents or serious distraction, drivers could face fines of up to £5,000 and receive 9 penalty points on their licence. Even without an incident, it can be enough to raise eyebrows with both police and insurers.
For safety and peace of mind, always use a suitable restraint, such as a seatbelt harness, pet carrier or dog guard. Not only will it help protect your pet in the event of a sudden stop or collision, but it will also ensure you’re staying within the law.
Festival mud parking could void your insurance
Music festivals are a highlight of the summer, but parking in the wrong spot could ruin the fun. While insurers generally accept parking in fields or grassy areas, this is only the case if it is done safely and sensibly. Problems can arise if the ground is muddy, uneven, or clearly unsuitable. If your car gets stuck or damaged in these conditions, your insurer may argue that you took an avoidable risk.
More serious issues can occur if you park in places that are considered dangerous or inappropriate, such as stopping on a motorway at night or parking on a narrow country lane facing the wrong direction. In these situations, insurers may consider the decision negligent and could reject your claim, leaving you to cover the cost of any damage or recovery yourself.
This is particularly important for classic car owners, as many insurers expect these vehicles to be handled with extra care. Getting a vintage car stuck in a muddy field could not only result in costly recovery but may also risk policy terms being voided.
Whenever possible, look for designated parking areas on solid ground. Taking a few extra minutes to park safely can save you a significant bill later.
Inappropriate sunglasses could potentially cost you £5,000
It might be tempting to reach for a pair of ultra-dark sunglasses during a bright summer drive, especially when sunlight is bouncing off the road. But not all sunglasses are safe for driving, and some can actually land you in serious trouble.
Category 4 sunglasses are designed for extreme conditions like high-altitude skiing or mountaineering. These lenses block out 92 to 97% of visible light, making them unsuitable and unsafe for road use in the UK. Despite this, they are still sold in many high-street shops and online retailers. Unless you’re looking carefully, you might not even notice the small warning label that reads “not suitable for driving.”
Wearing Category 4 sunglasses behind the wheel typically results in a £100 fine and 3 penalty points for careless driving. However, if these lenses contribute to an accident or dangerous driving behaviour, penalties can escalate dramatically – potentially reaching £5,000 in fines, 9 penalty points, and even a dangerous driving conviction in the most serious cases.
To stay safe, choose Category 2 or 3 sunglasses, which are suitable for everyday driving. Polarised lenses can also help reduce glare from roads and water without overly darkening your view. When buying new sunglasses, always check that they’re labelled safe for driving or ask for advice in store.
Cracked windows could invalidate theft claims
Leaving your windows slightly open on a hot day might seem like a good way to keep your car cool, but it can create problems with your insurance. Many policies contain exclusions for situations that can be seen as inviting theft. If your car is broken into while a window is even slightly ajar, your insurer could argue the vehicle was not properly secured and refuse to pay out.
To avoid any issues, make sure all windows are fully closed when leaving your car unattended. Details like this can make the difference between a valid claim and an expensive lesson.
Overloading your car could cost you £2,500
Summer holidays often mean squeezing bikes, tents, and extra gear into the car. But exceeding your vehicle’s weight limit can lead to penalties that vary depending on your vehicle type and the severity of the overloading. For standard cars, fines typically range from £100 to £500, though passenger carrying vehicles and goods vehicles face higher penalties up to £2,500. Serious overloading (30% or more above the limit) can result in dangerous driving charges with unlimited fines.
Having a bike rack that blocks your number plate can also land you with a £1,000 fine under registration display laws, though £100 on-the-spot fines are more common for first-time offences.
Before setting off, check your vehicle’s load capacity and make sure number plates and lights remain fully visible. Staying within the legal limits helps protect both your wallet and your safety.
Driving while dehydrated doubles your mistake rate
Spending hours on the road in warm weather can leave you more dehydrated than you realise. Research found that mild dehydration leads to twice as many driving errors. Symptoms such as slower reaction times, fatigue, and lack of focus can creep in gradually, especially with air conditioning masking the effects.
Keep a bottle of water within reach and take regular breaks to stay hydrated. Small actions like these help keep you alert and in control behind the wheel.
