UK drivers face massive £3,500 fines and licence points for little-known actions
Drivers are being urged to focus on the roads
PA
Millions of drivers are expected to travel this summer with roads and motorways set to be busy as Britons look to take time off.
There are fears that some drivers could be hit with fines for motoring offences which they may be unaware of.
One potentially pricey mistake could be letting a learner driver take the wheel when the supervising driver is not in a fit state to monitor their driving.
Anyone who makes the learner drivers their designated driver must ensure they are in a sober and responsible state.
Experienced drivers should be in full control when supervising a learner driver
PA
Anyone who supervises a learner driver must be over 21, be qualified to drive the type of vehicle they want to learn in and need to have had their full driving licence for three years.
It is illegal for a supervising driver to use a mobile phone while supervising and they cannot drive on the motorway when practising how to drive.
James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo, warned motorists to ensure the person giving them a lift has a full licence and will not put them at risk.
He said: “Many people don’t realise that accepting a lift from a friend who is a learner – no matter how confident they are – means that, as a qualified driver, you are responsible for the control of the vehicle.
“This means that you must comply with the rules you would normally adhere to if you were in the driving seat, including being under the drink-drive limit.
“If you are getting in the front passenger seat with a learner as the designated driver, and are sipping a few cans on the way to the festival, or you’ve enjoyed one-too-many the night before the journey home and are still under the influence, you could face 10 points on your licence, a fine of up to £2,500, a three-month prison sentence, or a potential driving ban.”
With thousands heading to festivals this year and millions on the road for the summer holidays, motorists may experience more vehicles on the road.
This could cause some drivers to lose their temper, with motorists warned of a £30 fixed penalty notice for honking their horns.
The car horn should only be used when the vehicle is moving and they need to warn others on the road of their presence, according to Rule 112 of the Highway Code.
It must never be used when the vehicle is stationary and when driving in built-up areas between 11.30pm and 7am except when another road user poses a danger.
Drivers can question and challenge the FPN, although this could lead to a court case and potential fines of up to £1,000.
Mr Armstrong continued, saying: “Some drivers will feel road stress more than others.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The police can issue fines for drivers using their horns
PA
“The best thing to do to avoid fines and points from this - or even experiencing driving frustration - is to allow enough time for your journey to the festival, so you don’t get anxious at being late and avoid busy motorways or roads as much as possible.”