Drivers face 'big penalties' for not pressing car buttons as temperatures rise
Motorists could be slapped with hefty punishments for ignoring a little-known Highway Code rule this weekend.
Drivers are at risk of being hit with “big penalties” for not pressing an important button located in almost every vehicle as temperatures rise this weekend.
Insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk warned motorists could be slapped with fines if their car is not kept cool this spring and summer due to a little-known driving rule.
Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that cars must be kept ventilated at all times in hot weather.
Keeping a car cool and breezy can stop drivers from feeling drowsy and putting themselves and other road users at risk.
Temperatures inside vehicles can reach sky-high levels with some studies putting figures at over 50C even on a cooler summer day.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone stresses that motorists could face consequences if they fail to take action.
He said: “It’s important to make sure the car is fully ventilated throughout hot journeys or risk going against guidance from the Highway Code – putting drivers in danger of drowsiness behind the wheel and risking big penalties.”
Being drowsy behind the wheel could be considered careless driving with road users likely to be hit with a £1,000 fine if caught.
In more serious cases, road users could even be issued a staggering £5,000 fine and up to nine penalty points on a driving licence.
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Almost all cars on Britain's roads have air conditioning units installed which can be accessed through a click of a button on the dashboard.
In some instances on more modern vehicles, air conditioning can be adjusted using on-screen infotainment tools.
Louise Thomas, motor insurance expert for Confused.com has previously warned motorists must use tools at their disposal to stay cool.
She commented: “Not using air-con or putting the window down in hot weather could see drivers break the Highway Code, as motorists must keep their cars ‘well-ventilated’.
"This rule helps to ensure drivers avoid drowsiness when in control of a car and breaking this rule could result in an on-the-spot fine if you are deemed to be driving carelessly or involved in an accident as a result of poor ventilation.
"This is because an overheated car can cause drowsiness, which puts the driver in an unsafe driving state.”
However, motorists without access to air conditioning could still stay cool by being more lucky over the colour of their vehicles.
Greg added: “If motorists are hiring a car or in the process of buying a new one, the colour of the car itself can actually make a difference too, white cars reflect the heat and also tend to cool down quicker than cars of a darker colour, so worth bearing in mind.”