Drivers Face £5k Fines as 3-Letter Law Stops 5m Brits Hitting Bank Holiday Roads
With millions of drivers set to take to the roads with the bank holiday weekend approaching, a law expert has issued a warning about a little-known road law that could land them with a £5,000 fine. Motorists with campervans must be especially alert not to cause excessive traffic, experts at Swansway Motor Group say. Over the weekend, police will be looking out for drivers flouting the Highway Code, particularly the little-known Rule 169.
This rule focuses on motorists causing long traffic queues, a sight often seen at the long bank holiday weekends, reports The Sun. Campervan drivers are susceptible to the law, especially those driving vintage models. Breaching this rule could land them a £5,000 fine and between three and nine points on their license.
Drivers are also being told to check their license before hopping in a campervan – in case they don’t have the right permissions. The expert said: “Motorists would be wrong to assume that they can just hop into a campervan and hit the road. Check your driving license to be sure, because driving a vehicle without the correct license can lead to a fine of £1,000 and between three to six points on your driving license.”
The rules about sleeping in your van are also hazy. The experts explained the safest way is to find a campsite that accommodates campervans, while some pubs allow campers to use their sites overnight as well.
The expert also warned motorists about drink-driving, saying they could have to prove they had no intention of driving their van if they are over the limit. If you are found to be in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal limit, you could face three months imprisonment, up to £2,500 fine, and a potential driving ban.
