UK drivers face £5,000 fine in heatwave for failing to make simple check
Hot weather might be great for sitting out in the sunshine, but motorists could find themselves falling foul of an unusual law in the heat.
When the sun comes out, particularly on a bank holiday weekend, many people might understandably be tempted to jump in their cars and head for the nearest beach.
While sitting and enjoying a cold drink while sunning yourself is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, driving in hot weather is markedly less pleasant.
The incessant heat and the fact that cars are like miniature ovens when you get in mean you need to immediately open all windows and get the air con on, if you have it.
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But it turns out that in the UK there is more to cracking the windows to let some cool, or at least less hot, air in than just trying not to bake before you get to the beach.
In fact, there are actual laws about this very thing, and if you're not careful you could even be sweating in court, not just your car.
In the UK, you are actually legally required to keep your car properly ventilated and cool during hot weather, according to the Highway Code.
This is Rule 237 of the Highway Code, which states: "Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery.
"These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop."
Making sure you're comfortable is an important part of driving to make that you don't get distracted, which could be very dangerous.
There are also rules around rain, ice and snow, fog, and driving in high winds.
Breaking this rule could see you fined £1,000 for careless driving.
And if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious crash and it is found that this was caused by you not properly ventilating your car in hot weather, you could land in legal trouble.
This could lead to a fine of £5,000, a lot of money, and you get nine points on your driver's licence, and for context, 12 points means a driving ban.
Speaking to Whitehaven News, a spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: "Breaking Rule 237 could result in an on-the-spot fine if you are deemed to be driving carelessly or involved in an accident due to poor ventilation.
"An overheated car can cause drowsiness, putting the driver in an unsafe driving state."
Kit Roberts