UK drivers warned they risk £1,000 fine under little known road rule

Person driving a car

Drivers could be fined £1,000 for breaking a little known road rule

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Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 31/03/2023

- 12:39

Motorists could be slapped with a huge fine for a simple mistake

Drivers across Britain are being warned about a little-known driving rule which could cost them a £1,000 fine and potential driving ban.

A medical negligence expert has revealed that it is illegal for a passenger to use their phone while supervising a learner driver.


Charlotte Rennox from Fletchers Group says those caught making the mistake could be fine £1,000.

"We know that driving whilst using a phone is illegal and extremely dangerous, but did you know that a passenger using their phone could get you fined?” she told The Mirror.

Learner driver car parked

It is illegal for a passenger to use their phone while supervising a learner driver

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"If a passenger uses their phone when supervising a learner driver, you could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000 and six points on your license.

"As the person aiding the learner driver, you are expected to also have full visibility and attention on the road, as if you were the actual driver."

The expert also shared other errors which could leave a driver facing a hefty fine.

Rennox explained that motorists carrying too many passengers in a car could end in misery.

"Ultimately, cars shouldn't be carrying more people than they are designed for,” she said.

"Having too many passengers can cause a multitude of distractions for the drivers, like not being able to see your wing mirrors and creating blind spots, increasing the risk of collision."

It is also illegal to smoke in a car if one of the passengers is under 18, the medical negligence expert said.

If caught, it could cost both the driver and the smoker a £50 fine.

Person driving holding a phone

Passengers who use their phone while supervising a learner could see six points on their license

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She added: "The financial implications of this are significant, but more importantly, smoking in a car can cause children to inhale toxins and chemicals from the cigarettes.

“Potentially creating major respiratory problems in the future.”

Driving with any pets in a vehicle could see drivers facing a fine of £5,000.

Failure to suitably restrain animals while traveling so they cannot distract the driver could rack up the severe penalty.

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