Driving in summer - the do’s and don’ts

Driving in summer comes with a whole host of challenges for drivers. Whether it’s glare from the sun, busier roads due to more people travelling or even symptoms of hay fever causing annoyances when behind the wheel, conditions are a far cry from the other seasons. 

From the little unknown laws that Brits need to be aware of when holidaying in the UK and abroad this summer, to the rules people should know surrounding EURO 2024, we’ve uncovered it all to provide the ultimate hub of advice for driving in the warmer weather. 

With hopefully sunny weather heading our way (fingers crossed!), the sooner Brits can get prepared for the change in driving conditions, the better. 

While all drivers should be aware of the seatbelt and speeding laws, there are many other UK road laws that people need to consider, particularly in the summer months.

1. Driving with loud music - £100
Picture this - it’s 28°C outside, and you’re driving with the roof down in your convertible and playing your favourite music at the loudest volume. While this might sound like an ideal scenario…you could be looking at a £100 fine and 3 penalty points. Playing music at an excessive volume could drown out emergency vehicle sirens or other important sounds, which could be seen as driving without due care and attention.

2. Towing over the weight limit - £2,500
With many people travelling with caravans to staycation hotspots this summer, Brits must ensure that the towing load doesn’t exceed the weight limit, as you could receive 3 penalty points and be fined up to £2,500 for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. 

3. Driving with flip-flops - £100
While driving in flip-flops may seem like the easiest thing to do when venturing out this summer, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that clothing and footwear must not interfere with the ability to operate a vehicle’s controls effectively. This offence could carry a £100 fine, as well as 3 driving licence points. 

4. Driving with an insecure load - £100
People may be packing surfboards, extra luggage or even bicycles to the roof of their car when holidaying this summer, and when done safely and correctly this doesn’t cause any issues. However, if objects fall onto the road and create a hazard, you could be looking at a £100 fine, so make sure all items are stored correctly before setting off. 

5. Drinking water while driving - £100 
Although not illegal, consuming non-alcoholic drinks such as water and lemonade while driving could be considered careless driving under Rule 148 if it causes a lack of proper control of the vehicle. This rule break could result in a £100 fine and 3 penalty points - or up to £2,500 and a potential disqualification if an incident occurs. 

6. Driving on hay fever medication - unlimited fines
Hay fever symptoms affect many Brits in spring and summer, causing itchy eyes, coughing and even sneezing. The usual fix for these symptoms is antihistamines, however, many drivers are unaware that these tablets can cause drowsiness, blurred vision and reduced reaction times. The UK law doesn’t distinguish between drug driving caused by prescribed, over-the-counter or illegal drugs, so driving on hay fever medication could land drivers with unlimited fines, driving bans and even potential jail time if an incident occurs. 

7. Driving in inappropriate summer headwear - £1,000
Wearing hats, caps and other headwear while driving this summer might seem like a great idea at the time. However, it’s worth noting that these items of clothing can obstruct vision or get caught under the pedals. While not against the law, Rule 97 of the Highway Code specifies that footwear and clothing must not prevent you from correctly using the controls and could risk a £1,000 fine. 

8. Drink driving - £2,500 fine
While many people are aware of the fine associated with drunk driving, we want to remind Brits that the rule very much still applies in summer - not only is there a financial penalty attached but also a huge risk to other people. And with many people heading to beer gardens this summer to watch the EURO 2024 matches, we urge everyone to make appropriate and safe travel plans so everyone can enjoy the football and make it home safely. 

9. Honking your horn late at night - £100
In some built-up or residential areas, using your horn between the hours of 11:30 pm and 7:30 am can result in a fine of up to £1,000, so be sure to limit the use of the horn unless necessary this summer. 

10. Wearing sunglasses at night - £1,000
While it might be tempting to wear sunglasses all day and evening during summer, wearing them outside of daylight hours can limit your view of the road. This can lead to fines ranging from £1,000 to £2,500 if an incident occurs. 

Brits won’t only be holidaying in the UK this summer, many people will also be making the most of the hot weather abroad and taking their car overseas, or hiring a car once at their chosen destination to explore somewhere new. However, driving abroad comes with a whole host of new challenges and rules (and we don’t just mean sticking to the right side of the road!).

1. Not having the correct equipment - €1,500
In many European countries, including Spain, Germany and Portugal, it’s mandatory to carry certain pieces of equipment - this could include a hi-vis jacket and first aid kit. If driving your own car abroad, in many European countries it is mandatory to purchase a magnetic UK sticker. In Italy, the lack of a sticker could result in a €150 fine, which could have easily been avoided by buying the £5 sticker. This fine increases to €1,500 in Belgium if found without a UK sticker, beam converters and a warning triangle.

2. Using a sat nav - €1,500
While using a sat nav or Google Maps is commonplace and extremely handy in the UK, this law doesn’t apply in many other countries. Using a sat nav may seem like the obvious thing to do when exploring somewhere new, but in countries such as France and Cyprus, using systems that alert you to the presence of speed cameras could result in a €1,500 fine.

3. Dazzling lights - €90
When driving on the right side of the road in another country, it’s a legal requirement for drivers of UK vehicles to adjust their headlights. Headlamp converters are available and can be added to easily adjust the alignment - if driving in France without a convertor fitted, you could be looking at a €90 fine.

4. Not obeying the speed limits - €711
Before driving abroad this summer, make sure you research motorway speed limits in your chosen country as they may differ from the UK limit. While Spain is 75 mph, France is 81 mph and Belgium is 75 mph, you don’t want to be caught out. Every country has its own range of fines for this offence, this is a minimum fine of €711 in Norway. 

5. Driving shirtless - 500 BAHT
In Thailand, it is illegal to drive shirtless. Even if the sun is out and you feel really warm in the vehicle, don’t be tempted to strip your shirt off as you could be handed a fine of 500 BAHT. 

6. Drivers sticking limbs out of a vehicle unless signalling - AUD $337
In New South Wales, Australia, drivers need to be mindful of keeping their limbs in their vehicle, unless signalling, as it could result in a fine of AUD €337. 

7. Driving a dirty car - 500 - 3,000 AED
In the UAE, driving a dirty car can result in fines of 500 AED - this could be extreme dirt, dust or any other signs of neglect. However, if a car isn’t cleaned, these fines can rise to 3,000 AED so be sure to clean your car when in the UAE this summer. 

With EURO 2024 running from Friday 14th June - Sunday 14th July, many people will be heading to beer gardens with friends to cheer on the England squad. 

However, it is a proven fact that more road accidents happen in summer, especially as some people may take the risk of drinking a little bit more when having fun with their friends.

1. Driving with England flags on the car - £1,000
Many people will feel rightfully patriotic during the EURO 2024 matches this summer and people may be tempted to put flags in their homes and on cars. However, having overly distracting decorations hanging from the rear-view mirror and obstructing vision on a car could result in a £1,000 fine and 3 penalty points as it violates the Highway Code on a proper view of the road.

2. Watching the EURO 2024 matches on your phone while driving - £1,000
If running late to the beer garden or stuck in traffic this summer, football fans may be tempted to play a football match on their phone while driving. However, this would be a huge mistake. Watching the EURO 2024 matches while driving could result in a £1,000 fine this summer and a potential 6 points on your licence. 

3. Celebrating a EURO 2024 victory in your car - £1,000
We’re all hoping for an England win this summer and while this would call for a celebration, drivers must be careful not to cause distractions in the car. Fans may be tempted to beep their car horn if England scores, however, Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that horns should only be used to warn another road user of a driver’s presence - the illegal use of a horn could result in a £1,000 fine if taken to court. Singing chants and football songs could also break Rule 148 of the Highway Code due to careless driving, so be extra careful when celebrating in the car. 

4. Carrying loud passengers in your car - £1000
If you’re the designated driver for the EURO 2024 matches, ensure your passengers are not distracting you from the road. Drivers can be handed fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points for driving without due care and attention or distracted driving. 

Whether you’re heading away on a staycation in the UK or driving abroad this summer, be sure to be safe on the road and be aware of the road laws in any country you visit. If looking for a new car to travel around this summer, be sure to check out our car leasing deals to see which vehicle would be best for you to kickstart your dream summer. 

UK laws were sourced from the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act.