The Driving Mistakes That Could Cost More Than You Think

Common Driving Mistakes That Can Lead to Fines and Higher Insurance

Most drivers know the big rules: keep to the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, and always wear a seatbelt. But it’s often the smaller, everyday oversights that catch people out. Habits such as overloading the car or forgetting to update your licence details can result in unexpected fines or penalty points.

Those points don’t just affect your driving record, they can also increase your insurance premium. Below are some commonly overlooked Highway Code rules that are worth keeping in mind.

1. Overloading Your Car or Van (Fine: £100–£300)

Stacking your car or van to the brim might feel efficient, but exceeding the vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is a punishable offence. If your vehicle is found to be overloaded, fines typically range from £100 to £300 depending on how far over the limit you are, and you may be prevented from continuing your journey until the excess weight is removed.

2. Unsecured Loads (Fine: £100 + 3 penalty points)

Loose items such as furniture, shopping bags, or boxes can quickly become dangerous if they move while driving. If a load is not properly secured and poses a risk, you can be fined £100 and receive three penalty points, as well as being required to make the load safe before continuing.

3. Blocked Rear View (Fine: Up to £1,000)

Packing your vehicle so full that you cannot see out of the rear window can result in a fine. Drivers are legally required to maintain full control of their vehicle and a clear view of the road. If your view is judged to be dangerously restricted, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.

4. Worn Tyres (Fine: £2,500 per tyre + 3 points)

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving with tyres below this limit is a serious offence. Each illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points, meaning a full set of worn tyres could quickly lead to a driving ban.

5. Seatbelt Offences (Fine: Up to £500)

There are no excuses when it comes to seatbelts. If a seatbelt is fitted, it must be worn by both drivers and passengers. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to £500, and drivers may also be held responsible for passengers not wearing seatbelts, particularly children.

6. Using Your Phone (Fine: Up to £1,000 + 6 points)

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal, even if you are stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. Unless you are safely parked with the engine off, checking your phone can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points. For drivers of larger vehicles, penalties can be even more severe.

7. Out-of-Date Licence (Fine: Up to £1,000)

If you move house and fail to update the address on your driving licence, you are committing an offence. The fine for not keeping your licence details up to date can be as much as £1,000, even if you are otherwise driving legally.

8. Pavement Parking (Fine: Around £70, or £35 if paid early)

Pavement parking is illegal across London unless signs specifically allow it, with fines typically around £70, reduced to £35 if paid promptly. Outside London, rules vary by local authority, but parking on pavements can still lead to penalties where restrictions apply.

9. New Driver Rules (Penalty: Licence Revocation)

For drivers within their first two years on the road, the rules are much stricter. Accumulating just six penalty points during this period will result in your licence being revoked. To get back on the road, you must retake and pass both the theory and practical driving tests.

The Bottom Line

Fines are frustrating, but it’s often the penalty points that have the biggest long-term impact. Points stay on your licence for years and can significantly increase your insurance costs. Staying aware of these lesser-known rules can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and keep your premiums down.

 Sources

• Highway Code (UK) – Rules on seatbelt use, mobile phone offences, load security and pavement parking, including Annex 5 and Rule 244

• Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) – Guidance and penalties relating to vehicle overloading and roadworthiness

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) – Legal requirements for updating driving licence details, including change of address

• UK Tyre Safety Law – Regulations covering minimum tread depth and penalties for illegal tyres

• New Driver Regulations (Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995) – Rules governing penalty points and licence revocation within the first two years of driving

• UK Government Road Traffic Legislation – Penalties and enforcement powers for driving offences, including fines and penalty points