10 little-known driving offences that could cost you £5,000 or even your licence

There are little-known motoring mistakes that could rack up points on your driving licence – and even end up with it being taken away.

Motorists, new and seasoned alike, face rules that could land them with enough points to lose their licence – and cost up to £5,000 for an offence.

Having a messy car, the cardinal sin of many car owners, vaping and letting your dog do whatever it wants can lead to hefty fines and points.

Here are the ten unknown offences motorists should keep in mind.

Eating and drinking while driving

Drinking alcohol is naturally off-limits for drivers, but consuming non-alcoholic beverages and eating can be considered a breach.

Those caught eating food or consuming a non-alcoholic drink could be accused of not being in proper control of the vehicle and risk a £200 fine and 6 points on the licence, motoring experts at BlackCircles warned.

Smoking or vaping behind the wheel

While smoking cigarettes or vaping is not technically illegal, you could face 3 to 9 points on the licence if the front window is covered in smoke.

Under the Road Traffic Act 2003, a smoke-covered screen could lead to a crash.

Clutter

The rest of your car can be covered in mess as long as the dashboard is clear. A mess-covered dashboard could be considered a distraction, with drivers handed a £100 fine and 3 points.

Dog hanging its head out of a window

Letting your four-legged friend hang its head out of the vehicle window could lead to a £5,000 fine. A rule under the Highway Code says that dogs have to be safely secured to avoid distraction or injury.

Road rage

Most drivers have felt a flash of anger when others on the road behave badly. People have been killed as a result of road rage, so there are rules to try to control it.

Those caught shouting, using abusive language or making rude hand gestures could be convicted of dangerous or careless driving along with a fine of £1,000 and 3 points.

Sleeping in your car

Snoozing in the vehicle could land drivers in hot water. If you are found passed out under the influence of alcohol with the keys in, you could be slapped with 10 points – even if not operating the vehicle, according to BlackCircles.

Wearing sunglasses

With the sun finally appearing in the UK after the winter, it’s time to have your sunnies at hand when driving. However, very dark lenses that only let through 3-8% light are illegal to wear while behind the wheel as it can affect the view and be a hazard.

Drivers in breach of this could be fined £5,000 and get 9 points.

Drunk riding an e-scooter

Riding an e-scooter while drunk is also an offence just like driving a car is.

Operating an electric scooter under the influence could add 6 points on your licence and end up with a criminal conviction.

Child’s seat fitting

Appropriate child seats matching the age and height are a legal requirement in the UK.

But simply having one in the car isn’t enough as they have to be correctly fitted and attached or else it could become a distraction or cause injury. Drivers in breach of this rule could be fined £500 and get 3 points on their licence.

Eyesight

Last but not least is an up-to-date eyesight test. Drivers who have poor eyesight and are not wearing glasses face a £1,000 fine and 3 points as a penalty. Older drivers in particular are advised to get regular checks.

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