Little known Highway Code rule that could see drivers fined £5,000 in hot weather

Richard Guttridge
·2-min read

Drivers are being warned about a relatively unknown Highway Code rule which could potentially land them with a hefty fine of as much as £5,000 this summer season. As living costs continue to rise, many motorists have chosen to forego the use of air-conditioning in their vehicles as a measure to cut down on fuel costs.

However, such decisions could lead to penalties under Highway Rule 237 that mandates: "Keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell, it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop."

Many drivers are conscious of the danger of drowsiness, especially during extended trips. Nevertheless, not everyone is aware that failing to maintain proper ventilation in their car breaches a specific road rule, thereby exposing them to serious consequences.

This rule was implemented to ensure maximum efforts by drivers to prevent succumbing to drowsiness while on the roads. Breaching the Highway Code usually results in an instant £100 fine and three points on the driver's licence.

However, should the offence escalate to court, the penalty could inflate to a massive £5,000 fine, nine penalty points, or even result in a driving ban, reports Birmingham Live.

The regulation is in place to ensure drivers do everything they can to stay alert at the wheel. A breach of the Highway Code often results in an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.

Should the matter escalate to court, fines can increase up to £5,000, with the addition of nine penalty points and potentially a driving ban. The government has stated: "Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules, you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases, you may be sent to prison."

Drivers who find themselves temporarily blinded by sunlight and divert their eyes away from the road might face accusations of "driving without due care and attention". According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers should slow down or even stop if they are "dazzled by bright sunlight".

This comes alongside recent guidance suggesting drivers could be hit with a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points for allowing their vehicle to run out of fuel.

In another surprising revelation, drivers have been warned they could face fines for using parent and child parking bays improperly, even if they have a child with them.

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