Drivers slapped with £5,000 fines and nine points for little known staycation error
Drivers could be caught out with large fines and penalty points for making a critical mistake this summer.
Motorists heading for staycation holidays in the UK could be issued a hefty £5,000 fine for breaking a little-known driving law before setting off.
Experts at CarMats.co.uk have warned road users could be issued a sizeable £5,000 fine for installing a roof box or a bike rack incorrectly.
Certain drivers even run the risk of being charged for dangerous driving and receiving penalty points on their driving licence for violating specific rules.
Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk says, “It's essential to make sure your rack's weight is suitable for your vehicle and that all items are securely fastened, whether using a bike rack or a roof rack.
“The racks for your holiday should not hinder you or others while driving, so it’s really important to make sure nothing is sticking out in a dangerous manner too.”
Firstly, road users must make sure that their roof box or bike rack is not obstructing critical car functions before starting their journey.
Drivers will be breaking the law if anything is seen to be blocking car number plates with hefty £1,000 fines likely if caught out.
However, obstructing brake lights is more worrying with this posing a serious safety risk to motorists and other road users.
Roof boxes and bike racks not fitted correctly could block the lights and make it impossible for road users behind to see when a vehicle is stopping.
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This is likely to lead to more serious penalties with motorists likely to be hit with a £5,000 fin and up to nine penalty points.
Finally, any luggage including roof boxes or bike racks must not exceed maximum vehicle weight limits.
Drivers can read the vehicle manual or the manufacturer's instructions to quickly check what the maximum limit is with road users urged not to exceed this.
Some larger vehicles may have a maximum roof weight limit of 50kg but some family cars could be lower.
Rule 98 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
“You should distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer evenly with heavy items over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball.
“The manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should minimise the possibility of swerving or snaking and loss of control.”
