The Met Office predicts a sweltering heatwave will begin this weekend, according to forecasters, with highs of 27C expected in the UK.

Forecasters have said it will start a consistent run of high temperatures over the next few days, meaning Britons could bask in an official heatwave.

Barbecues and beer gardens could be on the horizon as the summer weather returns.

With sunny weather expected as early as this weekend, drivers are at risk of breaking driving laws that many of us will not be aware of.

Moneyshake has looked into driving laws that you’re probably breaking without even realising during a heatwave, which could leave you with a nasty fine or even points on your license.

Eben Lovatt, CEO at Moneyshake said "Drivers planning staycations with bikes and luggage should be careful to avoid overloading their car or covering their licence plate, as they could be fined up to £2,500.

"While some offences seem unlikely to result in a fine, it's still very possible that you could be penalised for not following the Highway Code in hot weather.

“We recommend you don't take the risk, as heatwaves are for enjoying, not for losing your license." 

Highway Code changes you need to know in 2022

8 UK driving laws you could be breaking as Met Office predict UK heatwave

Here is Moneyshakes's list of 8 UK driving laws we all break without knowing during a heatwave

1) Freeing a dog from a hot car

Max penalty: 10 years in prison

We all know that you should not leave your pet in a hot car, under any circumstances. But what happens if you do see a dog suffering in the heatwave – are you allowed to break the window and free them?

If you can’t justify breaking into the car, it could be seen as criminal damage. The Crown Prosecution Service states that destroying or damaging someone else’s property could land you up to 10 years imprisonment.

If an animal is suffering in a hot car, dial 999 and the police will give you advice on what to do.

2) Wearing sunglasses – or not wearing them

Max penalty: A ban, 3-9 points and an unlimited fine

Everyday sunglasses can be too dark for driving, according to the AA. Some sunglasses can also affect your sight, as the edge of the frame blocks your peripheral vision. If your sunglasses aren’t fit for driving, you could be penalised for careless and inconsiderate driving.

On the other hand, the Highway Code says you should pull over if you are ever ‘dazzled by bright sunlight’. If you aren’t wearing the correct sunglasses that safely prevent you from being dazzled, you could risk being hit with a fine for careless driving.

3) Contactless payment at the drive-thru

Max penalty: A ban, 3 points and a £1,000 fine

With more drive-thrus reopening, drivers are encouraged to use contactless payments. But if you use the likes of Google Pay and Apple Pay at the drive-thru window, you could be penalised for using your mobile phone while driving.
4) Not turning on the AC or opening a window

Max penalty: 2 years in prison, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

Rule 237 of the Highway Code says you must keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Driving while tired isn’t an offence, but the AA says it can drastically increase your chances of driving dangerously, which can result in a serious penalty.

Recently, we recorded the temperature inside a car reaching a sweltering 33°C, which is hotter than the average summer in Mexico!

5) Hay fever medication

Max penalty: 6 months in prison, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

A 2018 study revealed that 60% of hay fever sufferers admit taking medication before they get behind the wheel. But hay fever meds can result in sleepiness and blurred vision, which would make you unfit to drive.

A new Highway Code rule from 2015 (rule 96) says that you must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicine.

6) Bringing your bike

Max penalty: £1,000 fine

Rear-mounted bike racks are a cheap and convenient option for bringing your bike on a trip. But these racks can cover your licence plates, which will land you a hefty fine and your car will fail its MOT. 

If you do drive with a rear-mounted bike rack, consider a lighting board to display your licence plate, reflectors and lights clearly.

7) Overloading the car

Max penalty: 3 points and a £2,500 fine

Thinking of packing your camping gear in the boot or towing your family caravan? Beware of overloading the car.

Rule 98 of the Highway Code says you should not overload your vehicle with a weight that’s greater than the manufacturer’s recommendation. You could land a penalty for using your vehicle in a dangerous condition.

8) Driving on wet roads after a summer shower

Max penalty: 2 years in prison, a ban, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine

According to the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA), asphalt roads can ‘bleed’ through to the surface in hot weather after rain, which reduces skidding resistance and makes the road more slippery.

Thanks to the unpredictable British weather, you could find yourself driving in a heatwave after a sudden downpour. Drivers should beware – if you cause an accident on a slippery road, you could be convicted for dangerous driving.

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