Drivers could face fines of up to £5,000 this Easter weekend

The Easter bank holiday weekend is finally here, and many drivers will be planning trips by car. However, drivers could unknowingly fall foul of lesser‑known Highway Code rules, and face fines of up to £5,000 as a result.

To help drivers be safe on the roads and avoid simple mistakes that could lead to expensive penalties, experts from leasing agents Nationwide Vehicle Contracts highlighted five rules which drivers should be aware of when making a journey this weekend. Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: “As millions of drivers head out over the Easter weekend, it’s important to remember that the roads will be busier and enforcement is often stepped up. Simple oversights can lead to costly penalties such as driving with unrestrained pets, overloading the vehicle, and driving whilst tired.

“Our advice is simple: plan, secure everything properly, take regular breaks, and keep your focus on the road. A bit of preparation can help ensure a smooth and safe Easter journey.”

Driving while tired

Drivers will want to make sure they are fit to drive to and from their destination over the weekend. If you’re feeling fatigued, driving is considered dangerous and carries significant risks, not only for yourself, but also for passengers and other drivers on the road.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts noted that tiredness is estimated to contribute to 10% to 20% of all road collisions. Rule 91 explained the different ways you can minimise the risk, ensuring you are fit to drive.

The Highway Code read: “Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey.

“Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6am, when natural alertness is at a minimum.

“Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

“If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway (see Rule 262 for guidance on places to take a break when travelling on motorways).”

It’s possible for drivers to receive an unlimited fine if they are found to be driving tired or skipping rest breaks and not being adequately fit to drive.

Overloading cars

When driving over the long weekend, drivers will need to ensure that they don’t exceed their car’s recommended load capacity. Overloading a car can make a vehicle more difficult to control, increase fuel consumption, and place strain on the tyres and suspension, potentially increasing the likelihood of an accident, noted Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Rule 98 of The Highway Code explained that drivers must not overload their vehicle or trailer, making sure it is within the manufacturer’s limits. Failing to comply with the manufacturer’s limits could result in a fine and three penalty points on your license.

However, in more serious situations – if an accident occurs – it may even invalidate your insurance.

According to Cinch, the fines can vary between as low as £100 and three points on your license for not following the rules. The fine can rise to as high as £5,000 and you’re disqualified from driving if it’s more seriously dangerous and you’re taken to court.

Having pets in the car

If you’re travelling with pets, drivers are warned that having them unsecured in the car could result in an eye-watering fine. Drivers will need to make sure that dogs or other animals are “suitably restrained” while making journeys.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code read: “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.”

Breaking this rule could lead to a fine of up to £5,000, as well as three to nine points on your license. This can also risk your car insurance being voided, too, if you’re in an accident.

Unsecured sat-nav or phone

Travelling to new places and using your sat-nav or phone navigation to help guide you is common, but it’s important to ensure the devices are fixed in an appropriate manner. You must use a secure holder and ensure the device doesn’t block the view of the road.

Rule 149 makes it illegal to hold and use any handheld device (phone, sat-nav, tablet) while driving or in traffic. The rule explained: “ You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver.

“This ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive communication device and it applies even when the interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable. You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.”

This rule is punishable with a £200 fixed penalty fine and six penalty points on your license. In serious cases or court summons, the fines can rise to up to £1,000.

Eating or drinking while driving

While eating and drinking behind the wheel isn’t illegal, it can easily distract drivers and reduce their control of the vehicle. Taking a hand off the wheel or diverting attention, even briefly, increases the risk of accidents, particularly during busy travel periods like Easter.

The highway code (Rule 148) states drivers should avoid distractions to maintain concentration. This can include other things like trying to read maps and starting or adjusting any music or radio, arguing with passengers and other road users, and smoking.

Breaking these rules can incur fines from as little as £100 to £5,000, as well as between three to nine penalty points on your license.