Drivers warned about common sat nav mistake that could lead to £200 fine

Most UK driversrely on sat nav to navigate their journeys on a regular basis. However, with numerous vehicles lacking built-in dashboard navigation systems, countless motorists turn to their mobile phonesfor mapping assistance.

Those utilising this convenient system on their smartphones are now being cautioned that it could result in a £200 penalty. This is due to many drivers unknowingly violating Highway Code regulationsregarding mobile device usage whilst driving.

Whilst it's perfectly legal to use your phone'ssat nav function, the mobile must be properly secured to comply with regulations. In other similar news, anyone buying fuel next week given '£15 charge' warning by The AA.

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Experts at cinch, Britain's largest online used car dealer, emphasise that the device should be positioned in a fixed mount and operated hands-free throughout your journey.

This requirement is supported by Rule 149 of The Highway Code, which clearly states: "You must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication for any purpose when driving."

It's prohibited to drive with your phone resting on your lap or to pick it up to check directions. Motorists caught engaging in this behaviour face a £200 fine and could also receive six penalty points on their driving licence, experts have cautioned.

Ben Welham, motoring specialist at cinch, advised: "Make sure you're happy with the positioning of your phone mount before you set off. You need to keep your focus and attention on the road while driving to avoid distractions."

Drivers must refrain from handling any device whilst behind the wheel for any purpose, including when:

• Stopped at traffic lights
• Queuing in traffic
• Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
• Holding and using a device that’s offline or in-flight mode

A survey by cinch also found six other common mistakes drivers make which could see them facing thousands of pounds in fines, reports the Daily Record. And with two-thirds of British drivers planning a long trip, there's a lot more to prepare for over the coming weeks than drivers might realise.

Here they list some crucial Highway Code rule-breaks that could land you in trouble with the law and hit you in the pocket too.

Tyres below legal tread depth or underinflated - up to £2,500 per tyre (max. £10,000)

Motorists must inspect tyre pressure and tread before departing. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and worn tyres compromise your vehicle's grip and are dangerous – particularly in the wet conditions of Britain's unpredictable climate.

Underinflated tyres (beneath the manufacturer's recommended pressure) also compromise your car's handling and increase the risk of blowouts. This means operating with substandard tyres can result in hefty penalties (up to £2,500 per tyre) and up to three points on your licence for each tyre deemed illegal.

Welham suggested: "You can check your tread depth in a pinch using a 20p coin, making sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin. Checking your tyre pressures is a case of looking at your owner's manual (there may also be a sticker in the driver's door frame or fuel cap) and matching your wheel/tyre size to the reading from a tyre pressure gauge."

"If you're stuck and not sure if your tyres are safe, most chain garages and motoring retailers will check your tread and pressure for free," he added.

What the law says

The Annex. 6 Penalties of The Highway Code states: "Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects."

"Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference."

Driving tired or skipping breaks - unlimited fine

It's crucial to be properly rested before embarking on your road trip, ensuring you're alert to the demands of the road. Nodding off at the wheel is a serious offence and could heighten your chances of causing an accident on the road.

"Don't forget to include regular breaks when planning your route," advises Welham. "It's important to stop, get some fresh air and eat regular meals. It's not worth avoiding rests just to get to your destination more quickly.

"If you get sleepy behind the wheel, find a suitable place to pull over and take a break – avoiding pulling over in emergency areas or hard shoulders of a motorway unless there's an actually emergency."

What the law says

Highway Code Rule 91 is clear: "Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended."

Obstructing your view with luggage could cost you up to £1,000

Packing your boot to the brim? Be warned that blocking your rear view could slap you with a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on your licence.

Welham stresses the significance of a clear view: "Check that you can see out your back window before you begin your journey. Being able to see the cars behind you is crucial for changing lanes and when braking."

What the law says

According to The Highway Code's Annex 5 Penalties: "Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead, can land motorists with a £1,000 fine plus three penalty points."

Exceeding 60mph while towing a caravan on the motorway - £100 to £2,500 fine

First time towing a caravan? Remember, there are specific speed limits for you, and not adhering to them could mean a hefty fine of up to £2,500 and potentially losing your driving privileges.

What the law says

Rule 124 of the Highway Code states: "You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle." And remember, there are lower speed limits when towing caravans:

• Driving on motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph
• Single carriageways: 50mph
• Built-up areas in England and Scotland: 30mph
• Built-up areas in Wales: 20mph

Stopping in an unsafe spot for a break could lead to a £100 fine

Pit stops are a staple of any road trip, be it for a loo break or to snatch up a quick bite. However, no matter how brief your pit stop may be, failing to park your used VW correctly could land you with a hefty £100 penalty.

"Parking anywhere you like for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal," notes Welham. "But you could be in the way, or worse, cause a dangerous situation for other drivers or pedestrians."

What the law says

Rule 243 of The Highway Code outlines several no-go zones for parking, advising motorists where they should never stop or park:

• Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
• Anywhere that blocks an entrance of a property
• On a bend
• Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
• Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
• Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
• At or near the entrance of a school
• Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
• Where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities
• At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
• Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
• On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing

Leaving the engine running to take photographs – up to £1,000

Remember, if you're pulling over to capture the scenery with your camera, always switch off your engine before exiting the vehicle.

Welham cautions: "By leaving the engine running, you 'stop being in control of your car,' and this constitutes a motoring offence." Violating The Highway Code in such a manner can result in a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence.

What the law says

According to Rule 123 of The Highway Code: "You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road."