Seven driving habits that could land you with an unexpected and expensive fine

Motoring experts have revealed seven unexpected driving habits and behaviours that could see you lumped with a hefty fine by police officers if you're caught doing them.

There is an incredible 50 million of us here in the UK with a driving licence and as our roads get busier, more rules and regulations are brought to keep us safer while driving. However, while we might know that wearing a seatbelt is compulsory and that using your phone while driving is not only very dangerous but completely illegal, motoring experts have revealed seven more little known things that we're not supposed to do while driving. While they might not all be illegal, they could cost us thousands of pounds in fines if caught.

Police officer writes out ticker for driver in car

1. Playing 'I Spy' - £1,000

While it might seem like an innocent way to pass the time on a long and tedious car journey - especially if you have restless kids in the car - playing a game like 'I Spy' whilst driving could land you in hot water if you get distracted or lose focus on the road ahead. Hippo Leasing explained on BirminghamLive that: "Taking your eyes off the road to participate in the game could lead to losing attention of the traffic and road ahead, or worse, losing control of the vehicle entirely. Failure to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead carries a £1,000 fine and three points on your license."

2. Swapping drivers halfway through your journey - £2,500

It's ideal on a long drive or road trip to stop at a garage halfway through and swap driving responsibilities with someone else - after all, tiredness while driving can kill. But while the sensible thing to do, Hippo Leasing warn to make sure that every person driving the car has the correct insurance to do so. They said: "If both drivers are insured to drive the car this is perfectly legal, however, if not this could land you with a £2,500 fine and six to eight points on your license.

"So, before agreeing to share the driving responsibilities, ensure they’re included on your insurance first. If you don’t want this person to be insured on your car long-term, you can get temporary insurance for as little as an hour, week, or month."

3. Filming yourself while driving - £200

In the era of social media, it is not uncommon to see videos on TikTok and Instagram of people driving in cars, whether they are on a family trip they want to share with their followers or simply having a chat with their audience. Although vlogging hands-free while driving isn't illegal, you must remain in full control of your vehicle. According to Hippo Leasing: "You can be pulled over by the police if they don’t think you’re in full control of your car due to distraction and you could receive a £200 on-the-spot fine."

Row of cars parked

4. Arguing while behind the wheel - £1,000

Being cooped up in a car with your family for any length of time is likely to lead to only one thing: bickering. But if you're the one driving, you might be best to sit this argument out, even if your siblings are being really annoying. Rule 144 of the Highway Code says you must not drive without due care and attention and so taking part in an argument - even if it is just to quell a group of squabbling children in the back seats - could result in a £1,000 fine if you're thought to not be in control of the vehicle.

5. Eating while driving - £200

One of the small joys of a long car journey is stopping of at the service station to grab some drive-thru food to keep you going. But be warned, don't get distracted by your food if you're driving and devouring it at the same time. As Hippo Leasing said: "Although it’s not illegal to eat while driving if you’re driving one-handed, you’re more likely to lose control of the vehicle and if you are pulled over by police for being distracted while eating it could result in a £200 fine. To be on the safe side you could always park up in the restaurant car park to eat your food."

Drivers licenses

6. Overpacking your car - £1,000

Its easy to overpack when heading off on a trip, but if you're going by car, you might want to be extra careful what you decide to take with you and how you load it into your vehicle. Blocking view of any of the windows or mirrors in your car could cost you. Hippos Leasing said: "It’s important not to obstruct the view from the front and rear windows as this could lead to a £1,000 fine and three points on your license for failure to have a full view of the road."

7. Not using a car seat for children - £500

Now, this one is a matter of the law. Children are required to use a car seat until they are 12 years old or reach 135cm/4ft 5in tall - whichever comes first. Hippo Leasing explained: If your child is under 12 or the height requirements are not seated in a car seat parents could face a £500 fine. This is also a safety requirement, not adhering to these rules could put your child in danger."