What Can You Be Fined For?
12 February 2025 | 
Driving is an essential part of daily life, but it also comes with rules—and breaking them can lead to fines, penalty points, or even invalidating your insurance. While most people know about penalties for speeding, drink driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance, there are many lesser-known reasons you could be fined.
With our temporary car insurance, you can always ensure you’re covered before hitting the road. But to help you stay fine-free and road-safe, we’ve rounded up some unexpected driving fines—some of which might just surprise you!
Over Packing the Car
Fine: £100 – £2,500 + 3 penalty points
Whether you’re loading up for a road trip or cramming in the weekly shop, overpacking your car could land you with a hefty fine and even invalidate your insurance.
If your rear window is obstructed or your vehicle exceeds its weight limit, you could face a £1,000 fine. In more serious cases, a dangerously overloaded car could result in three penalty points or even a driving ban.
Avoid the risk: Keep bulky items secure and ensure you have full visibility before setting off. If your car’s just too small for the job, consider temporary van insurance to borrow a van or hourly car insurance to use a larger vehicle. That way, you can pack everything safely—without risking a fine.
Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
Fine: £100 + 3 penalty points
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must wear footwear that allows full control of their vehicle.
That means flip-flops, stilettos, or heavy boots could see you fined if they affect your driving ability.
Avoid the risk: Keep a pair of sensible driving shoes in your car if you plan to wear unsuitable footwear.
Driving with a Dirty Number Plate
Fine: Up to £1,000
A number plate must always be visible so police, speed cameras, and ANPR cameras can read it. If it’s covered in dirt or obscured, you could be fined under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.
Avoid the risk: Before setting off, give your plates a quick clean—it takes seconds and could save you £1,000!
Driving Without Clearing Ice or Fog from Windows
Fine: Up to £2,500 + 3 penalty points
Icy mornings might make you want to rush off, but driving with misted-up or iced-over windows is dangerous—and illegal. This is a commonplace winter driving hazard that can easily be avoided. Before you set off, always allow your windscreen to fully clear and let your car acclimatise to the heaters so it doesn’t start fogging up when you’re on the road.
If you’re caught driving with restricted visibility, you could face a fine, points on your licence, or even a driving disqualification.
Avoid the risk: Always fully de-ice and defog your windows before driving.
Leaving Your Engine Running to Warm the Car
Fine: £20 – £80
Letting your car idle to warm up on cold mornings might seem harmless, but under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it’s illegal.
Idling contributes to air pollution and can also attract thieves, which could invalidate your insurance if your car gets stolen.
Avoid the risk: Use a windscreen cover overnight or warm your car once you’re inside, and never leave it running without being in it.
Misusing Headlights or Fog Lights
Fine: £50
We get it—British weather means you’ll spend half the year driving in fog, drizzle, or total darkness. But did you know that misusing headlights or fog lights could land you with a fine?
- If you fail to use dipped headlights when visibility is poor, you could put yourself and others at risk—and face a fine.
- On the flip side, using fog lights when it’s not foggy can dazzle other drivers and land you a £50 penalty.
Avoid the risk: Use fog lights only when visibility is less than 100m (about the length of a football pitch) and switch them off once conditions improve.
Sleeping in Your Car While Drunk
Fine: Up to £2,500 + possible driving ban
Had one too many and thought crashing in your car was the responsible choice? Think again. Even if the engine is off, you’re technically in control of the vehicle—which means you could be fined or banned for drink driving.
- Even snoozing in the back seat with the keys in your pocket counts as being in charge of a vehicle.
- If caught, you could be fined up to £2,500, receive penalty points, or even lose your licence.
Avoid the risk: Call a taxi, crash at a friend’s house, or use our designated driver insurance to let a sober mate take the wheel.
Splashing Pedestrians with Puddles
Fine: Up to £5,000 + 3 penalty points
We’re all used to dodging puddles on foot in the UK, but as a driver, you should be avoiding them too. Deliberately splashing a pedestrian isn’t just inconsiderate—it’s illegal. If caught, you could face a fine of up to £5,000 and three penalty points. Stay mindful in wet weather, slow down, and steer clear of puddles to keep both your conscience and your licence clean.
- If caught deliberately racing through a puddle to splash people, you could be charged with careless driving, leading to a hefty fine and points on your licence.
- In extreme cases, courts have issued fines of up to £5,000—so it’s definitely not worth the laugh.
Avoid the risk: Slow down when driving past pedestrians in wet conditions. No one wants to be that person who ruins someone’s day.
Driving with Snow on Your Roof
Fine: £100 + 3 penalty points
Sure, snow on your car might make it look festive, but leaving it on your roof could land you in trouble. It could be considered driving without due consideration, potentially landing you with points or a fine.
- Snow can slide onto your windscreen while driving, blocking your vision at the worst possible moment.
- It can also fall off into the path of other vehicles, creating a hazard for drivers behind you.
Avoid the risk: Before setting off, brush snow off your roof, bonnet, and windows. It takes less than five minutes and could save you a fine—or an accident.
Running Out of Fuel
Fine: £100 + 3 penalty points
Think you can squeeze in a few extra miles on fumes and optimism? Running out of fuel isn’t just inconvenient—it could land you with a fine. According to rule 97 of the Highway Code, before setting off, drivers must ensure they have enough fuel for their entire journey.
- If you break down and cause an obstruction, you could be fined £100 and receive penalty points.
- Running out of fuel on motorways is especially risky—you might even face prosecution for careless driving.
Avoid the risk: Check your fuel levels before long trips and top up before hitting the warning light. No one enjoys a roadside rescue mission.
Driving with Bald or Low-Pressure Tyres
Fine: Up to £2,500 per tyre + 3 penalty points
Your tyres do more than keep your car moving—they keep you safe. Driving with bald tyres or low pressure can increase braking distances and make handling dangerous, especially in bad weather.
- The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.
- If caught with bald tyres, you could be fined up to £10,000 (yes, really) and banned from driving.
Avoid the risk: Regularly check your tyre tread and keep them inflated to the correct pressure—it could save your wallet and your life.
Using a Phone or Sat Nav While Driving
Fine: £200 + 6 penalty points (or a ban for new drivers)
Using your phone while driving is a big no-no—even if you’re just checking directions.
- Holding any device while driving (even if you’re stopped in traffic) is illegal.
- If caught, you’ll face a £200 fine and 6 penalty points—which is an instant ban for new drivers.
Avoid the risk: Set up hands-free navigation before you drive or use a phone mount—it’s safer and won’t cost you your licence.
Not Reporting Certain Medical Conditions
Fine: Up to £1,000 + invalidated insurance
Did you know that failing to tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving could cost you £1,000?
- Conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, and some eyesight issues must be reported.
- If you’re caught driving with an undisclosed condition, your insurance could be voided.
Avoid the risk: Check the DVLA’s medical condition list—if your condition is listed, you must inform them to stay legally compliant and keep your insurance valid.
Also, be mindful that driving while unwell can impact your concentration and reaction times. While you don’t need to declare a cold or flu, it could still lead to a fine or penalty points if it affects your ability to drive safely. Next time you’re feeling under the weather, reconsider whether you’re fit to be behind the wheel.
Blocking Emergency Services
Fine: Up to £5,000
Seeing blue lights flashing in your mirror? Your instinct should be to move out of the way safely—because blocking emergency vehicles can land you with a hefty fine.
- Failing to let an ambulance, fire engine, or police car through could result in a fine of up to £5,000.
Avoid the risk: Stay calm, check your surroundings, and pull over safely when it’s legal to do so.
Not Properly Restraining Your Dog in the Car
Fine: Up to £5,000
We all love a dog hanging its head out of the window, but letting pets roam freely in the car isn’t just unsafe—it’s illegal.
- The Highway Code states that animals must be properly restrained.
- Failing to do so could land you with a £5,000 fine and invalidate your insurance.
Avoid the risk: Use a dog harness, crate, or pet guard to keep your pup secure, this will keep them safe in the event of an accident, and prevent them from distracting you when driving.
The Rules Around Sunglasses Whilst Driving
Fine: Up to £2,500
Sunglasses help reduce glare and improve visibility, especially in winter when the sun sits low in the sky. But wearing them at the wrong time—such as in low light or at night—could land you with a hefty fine.
If your vision is impaired while driving, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving, which comes with a fine of up to £2,500.
Avoid the risk: Keep a pair of driving-appropriate sunglasses (category 2 lenses) in the car and always remove them when conditions change. If it gets darker mid-journey, pull over safely to swap them out.
Dutch Reach Rules
Fine: Up to £1,000
The Dutch Reach method has been recommended in The Highway Code since January 2022 to help protect cyclists and pedestrians. It involves using your opposite arm to open your car door, encouraging you to look behind before stepping out.
Failing to check your surroundings before opening your door—also known as ‘car dooring’—could result in a fine of up to £1,000. If an accident occurs, you could also face further penalties or be held liable for damages.
Avoid the risk: Always use the Dutch Reach method, especially when parked on busy streets or near cycle lanes. Taking a second to check could prevent a serious accident.
Fines for Not Supervising Learner Drivers Properly
Fine: £1,000
Supervising a learner driver comes with legal responsibilities—including staying off your phone. If you’re caught distracted while supervising, you could face a £1,000 fine for failing to pay proper attention to the road.
Using your phone or being inattentive while supervising a learner can increase the risk of accidents and invalidate their insurance in the event of a collision.
Avoid the risk: Keep your phone out of reach and stay focussed on the learner’s driving. If you need to take a call or send a message, pull over safely before doing so.
Not Concentrating on the Road
Fine: Up to £5,000
It’s no surprise that failing to focus while driving is considered an offence, but many don’t realise that distractions like playing loud music, wearing headphones, or turning to talk to passengers could result in a fine of up to £5,000.
Not paying full attention behind the wheel can be classed as careless driving, which can also result in penalty points, licence suspension, or even a driving ban.
Avoid the risk: Keep distractions to a minimum—turn music down, avoid wearing headphones, and stay focused on the road. Your full attention could prevent an accident and save you thousands in fines.
Failing to Report Hitting an Animal
Fine: Up to £5,000
Hitting an animal with your car is classed as a road accident—which means you’re legally required to report it if it involves:
- Dogs
- Horses
- Cattle
- Donkeys
- Sheep
- Pigs
- Goats
Failing to do so could result in a £5,000 fine. (Strangely, cats, badgers and deer aren’t included in the legal requirement, but it’s still worth reporting.)
Avoid the risk: If you hit an animal, report it to the police—it’s the law.
Many of these fines are easily avoided with a little extra awareness. While we can’t stop you from getting fined, we can make sure you’re fully insured. We can help you get comprehensive cover in under two minutes, so you’re fully insured, wherever you’re going. Whether you’re borrowing a car or need insurance for driving practice, our temporary insurance options are here for you.
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