Festival-goers could face £2.5k fine for breaking 5 little-known driving laws… and overloading the car is just the start

FESTIVAL-GOERS have been warned they could face a £2,500 fine for breaking five little-known driving laws.

As the summer party season kicks off in the UK, car experts are warning motorists of mistakes they could be making driving to and from music festivals without even realizing it.

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Handy, car experts at moneyshake have compiled a list of five driving rules that motorists should consider before driving to a festival.

Dirty license plates

The unpredictable weather in the UK means heavy downpours are not unexpected and with many festivals being held locally muddy driving conditions are often unavoidable.

The Highway Code states that motorists must take special care to maintain their car and ensure it is working properly, stating: “Lights, turn signals, reflectors and license plates MUST be kept clean and clear.”

Driving with covered or illegible number plates can result in a fine of £1,000. So make sure the license plate isn’t blocked by dirt before heading home.

Overload your car

With everything you need for a festival, from a tent to camp chairs to food and clothing, you may find yourself cluttering up your car.

Each car has a maximum loading weight, including passengers and luggage. It is therefore essential that you consult your vehicle’s manual before setting off.

In addition to the safety risks, if you’re caught driving an overloaded car you could face a fine of up to £300 and up to three penalty points on your driving licence.

If you are involved in an accident while your vehicle is exceeding the maximum load, it may also void your car insurance.

To be tired

After sleeping in a tent for a few nights, you may get little sleep, but when you drive tired, the risk of an accident increases significantly.

The Road Traffic Act states in the “Ability to Drive” section that you “must not start a journey if you are tired” and “get enough sleep before starting a long journey”.

If found guilty of dangerous driving, you can be fined indefinitely, banned from driving and imprisoned for up to 14 years, depending on the severity. So make sure you’re well rested before heading home, even if that means leaving later than planned.

Fees for elevators

It’s not uncommon to drive friends to and from festivals, but charging something as simple as a few pounds for the ride could get you in trouble.

Because drivers are not allowed to make a profit if they do not have a valid taxi or private rental license.

If you’re making a profit from ridesharing, you’re technically operating a cab without a license.

It’s okay to take money for gas and a contribution to running costs, but the problem arises when you take more money with you than you spend on fuel.

Anyone found to be making a profit could be charged with illegal taxi driving, and drivers could face a fine of £2,500 and even be stripped of their insurance, given points on their license or disqualified become.

Drunk sleeping in the car

After a long weekend, you might be tempted to take a nap in your car, and while it’s not against the law to sleep in your car, it’s illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in your car.

If you are caught sleeping while exceeding the alcohol limit, even with the engine off, you could be prosecuted for “drunk driving”.

If you are caught in a vehicle while exceeding the legal limit you could face a maximum fine of £2,500.

You can also have your driving license revoked and, in more serious cases, face a prison sentence of up to three months.

This comes after drivers were completely overwhelmed when they realized the quickest way to cool down their car in the hot summer.

Plus, motorists were shocked to discover a simple £7 hack that will help keep their cars cool this summer.