Motorists have been warned they could be slapped with £5,000 fines for breaking "little-known" Highway Code rules which peak during the summer period.
It comes after experts highlighted how several Highway Code rules become more prominent during the warmer months, with drivers urged to make sure they are aware of them to avoid being hit with fines.
Experts have highlighted how some summer habits, like letting dogs hang out of car windows or wearing flip-flops, could land drivers with penalties.
Other issues include having hay fever symptoms, as well as wearing sunglasses, which can lead to dangerous driving penalties.
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Drivers can be fined for wearing sunglasses and causing a collision
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Dan Jones, operations manager at Trackdays.co.uk, said: "Some simple acts behind the wheel, which many drivers wouldn't give a second thought to, can actually be breaking the Highway Code and result in big financial penalties."
As the temperature rises, drivers have been reminded that letting dogs stick their heads out of the car window when moving for some fresh air can be problematic.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code explains that dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained so they are not a distraction or cause injury if stopping suddenly.
It states: "When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."
The Highway Code explains that pets should not hang out of car windows
GETTYFailure to comply with the rule can be seen as driving without due care and attention, which carries a hefty fine of £5,000 and as well as subsequent penalty points.
Another issue which could result in fines involves having hay fever, which causes itchy eyes and cold-like symptoms for Britons.
Experts have warned that drivers should avoid scratching their eyes as this might be classed as dangerous driving.
The penalty for being charged with dangerous driving can be severe, with motorists facing two years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine or even an obligatory disqualification of between three to 11 years.
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Another common summer habit which could result in penalties involves wearing sunglasses. According to Highway Code Rule 94, wearing sunglasses can be punishable when driving at dusk or through a tunnel, where visibility is reduced.
The Highway Code rule dictates: "At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision."
The consequences can result in fines of up to £1,000, three penalty points, or even disqualification in more serious cases. Drivers caught wearing flip-flops or sliders can also face problems as it breaches a key Highway Code rule.
Rule 97 of the Code states that clothing and footwear must not interfere with a driver's ability while behind the wheel.
Drivers have been warned that failure to comply with certain Highway Code rules could result in fines
PA"You SHOULD ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner," the Code warns. Experts have warned that the DVSA also keeps a close eye on the footwear of drivers during its patrols.
The agency states that shoes need to have a sole no thicker than 10mm, while not being too thin or soft. Drivers wearing flip-flops who cause a crash could face being charged with "driving without due care and attention".
The penalty for this can vary from a £100 fine and three penalty points to as much as a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and a driving ban if the driver gets taken to court.
Jones added: "Spirits are lifted when the sun is beaming down, and it can be easy to forget some common sense driving habits. I'd urge drivers to remember that these driving rules can be enforced all year round, so to remain alert behind the wheel at all times."