Drivers 'could face fines for having flip flops, fans or going topless' in heatwaves
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Motorists could face fines for wearing flip flops, using dashboard fans and driving topless in heatwaves, a legal expert has warned. James Pipe reveals the surprising fines drivers could face for trying to stay cool, and the summer habits that could land you in court.
With rising temperatures pushing drivers to strip off, drive barefoot or install portable fans, motorists are urged to be cautious. Mr Pipe, of Felons Assistance, said: 'Most people don't realise that trying to beat the heat behind the wheel can lead to fines of up to £5,000 if you're not careful.
'Whether it's your footwear, your outfit, or even the items on your dashboard, the law is clear - you must always be in full control of your vehicle.' Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
Heatwave habits that could land you a fine
1. Driving Barefoot or in Flip Flops - Fine: Up to £5,000
Although not technically illegal, driving barefoot or in flimsy footwear like flip-flops could be classed as careless driving if it affects your ability to operate the pedals.
'If an officer believes your choice of footwear contributed to a lack of control, you could face a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points, or even a driving ban,' says Pipe.
2. Going Topless or Driving in Swimwear – Fine: £100
Taking your shirt off to stay cool may seem harmless, but it could be seen as careless or inappropriate depending on the circumstances.
'Not wearing enough clothing can reduce your ability to drive safely - especially if you slip on the seat or get distracted. In some cases, police can issue an on-the-spot £100 fine.'
3. Dashboard-Mounted Fans and TikTok Accessories – Fine: £100 to £1,000
Dashboard fans and other trending TikTok gadgets like large air fresheners or dangling accessories can obstruct your view.
'Obstructed windscreens are a legal issue. If police stop you, you could be hit with a £100 fine, or up to £1,000 if prosecuted,' Pipe explains.
Summer Driving Tips You Probably Didn't Know
Keep a cloth in the car – Use it to handle hot seatbelts and steering wheels or wipe off sweat that might affect grip.
Apply suncream before you set off - Greasy hands from mid-drive applications could affect your ability to steer or shift gears safely.
Hydration matters - Even mild dehydration can affect reaction time. Keep water in the car but store it out of direct sunlight to avoid chemical leaching from plastic bottles.
Open all windows before using air con - This clears trapped hot air quickly and takes pressure off your AC system.
Pets or babies in hot cars? The public can legally intervene
'If someone sees a child or dog left alone in a hot car, they are legally allowed to smash a window to rescue them, under Section 5 of the Criminal Damage Act,' says Mr Pipe. 'You could face a charge of neglect or animal cruelty - and a criminal record.'
James Pipe is a UK and US legal expert specialising in motoring law. He advises on driving offences, road safety, and legal responsibilities for vehicle owners.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- North Wales Live
LIVE A487 updates as Gwynedd roundabout closed following 'collision'
The A487 roundabout at Parc Menai has been closed following a "collision." North Wales Police are urging people to avoid the area. A North Wales Police statement said: "The A487 / Parc Menai roundabout is currently closed due to a road traffic incident. Faenol Hill and the junction for Ysbyty Gwynedd is also closed while officers deal with this incident. Please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation." This is a breaking news story. We will bring you all the latest as we get it via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
A55 Conwy Tunnel fire latest as reopening update provided
The A55 Conwy Tunnel has partially reopened to traffic, after a vehicle fire shut it in both directions yesterday (Thursday). Although there are traffic delays in the area, motorists are able to move through the tunnel today (Friday), via a contraflow in the eastbound carriageway. A North Wales Police update this morning said: " Conwy Tunnel Update: A contraflow system is now in place on the A55 eastbound carriageway of the Conwy Tunnel. "The westbound carriageway of the tunnel remains closed. Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for their journey as delays are expected in the area." Follow our liveblog for all the latest on the disruption here A Traffic Wales statement added: "A55 Conwy Tunnel is now open under contraflow. Allow additional travel time. A 3.2m width limit is in place." It is still not clear when the tunnel will fully reopen. North Wales Live approached the Welsh Government for further information. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: 'I'm being kept informed about the impact of the fire in the Conwy tunnel. "My thanks to the emergency services and our key partners who have worked relentlessly to deal with the fire. Traffic is now able to use the eastbound tunnel through a contraflow system. "However, I would urge people to check Traffic Wales before travelling and to include extra time for their journeys. Regular updates will be provided by Traffic Wales.' Yesterday North Wales Police has advised motorists to expect delays in the coming days. A police statement last night said: "We anticipate that there will be significant disruption for the next few days, and motorists are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys and to keep up to date with the latest traffic and travel information via Traffic Wales." It comes after a crane lorry was destroyed, when it burst into flames in the tunnel yesterday, shortly before 2pm. A major incident was declared, as acrid black smoke billowed out. Other people were urged to leave their vehicles and exit immediately, as emergency services arrived at the scene, with fire crews getting to work to extinguish the blaze. Motorists approaching the tunnel watched as smoke spewed out of the tunnel and electronic messages warned of an 'emergency'. Penmaenbach Tunnel was also closed, throwing much of northwest Wales into gridlock, with long traffic jams forming around the area. More images showed how far the smoke could be seen from, as vehicles were turned around on the A55 to be diverted around the emergency. Marcus Copeland was returning from Anglesey when he saw white smoke coming from the tunnel, followed by 'lots of thick black smoke'. He said: "We were the closest vehicle to the tunnel at that point, so we pulled over into a slip road and walked up the bank, there was acrid black smoke everywhere. It was really bad. 'You could hear audio messages in the tunnel telling people to leave their vehicles and walk out. There are lots of police and fire engines at the scene. "Cars were being turned round the wrong way on the A55 to come off and we are the last car coming off down a slip road. Looking behind us you can see the A55 is empty, apart from wagons and buses which are also now being turned around." The fire was extinguished yesterday evening, but its impact on the road network was felt as far away as the A55 at Chester and the A483 to Wrexham. National Highways North-West warned of up to one-hour delays because the A483 was being used as 'long distance diversion route' via the A5.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Everything we know about A55 Conwy Tunnel fire as disruption could last 'for days'
Everything we know about A55 Conwy Tunnel fire as disruption could last 'for days' A major incident was declared by the fire service and there was travel chaos across north Wales as a result of the fire and thick smoke Drivers were advised to stay in their vehicles due to the smoke (Image: Marcus Copeland ) A huge fire which saw smoke billowing from the A55 Conwy Tunnel and a major incident being declared could cause disruption for the coming days, the fire service has said. After the blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon (June 19) there were huge tailbacks on the A55 and surrounding roads as drivers sought alternative routes. The road was closed in both directions near Conwy until the early hours of Friday morning. However, drivers still face disruption as the westbound carriageway remains closed from J19 to J17. According to traffic monitoring site Inrix, traffic can use the eastbound tunnel via a contraflow system. North Wales Live understands that a crane vehicle burst into flames inside the tunnel shortly after 2pm. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below By 3.42pm, the fire had been declared a 'major incident' by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. In a statement, the service said: 'We're working with multi-agency partners to control the fire, protect the environment and re-open the tunnel as soon as it's safe to do so.' It's thought the tunnel fire involved a crane truck (Image: Eira D'Arcy ) North Wales Police initially urged all motorists caught up in queues to 'stay in their vehicles due to heavy smoke in the area'. One driver described how he emerged from Conwy Tunnel to see smoke billowing into the sky. In an update at 5.30pm, the fire service said the fire had been brought under control. Here is everything we know so far about the major incident: What have the emergency services said? The latest update from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, released at 6pm on Thursday, June 19, says: A multi-agency response is underway following a major incident involving a vehicle fire in the Conwy Tunnel on the westbound A55. The fire was reported at 13:48, and emergency services are working together at the scene. "The fire is now under control, and we can confirm that there have been no fatalities. "Due to the scale of the incident and the need for ongoing safety assessments, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a significant amount of time. Detailed inspections will need to be carried out to determine the extent of any damage before the tunnel can be safely re-opened. "We are aware of the severe disruption that has been caused and that traffic along the A55 has been affected, however diversions are in place. Roads in and around the Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed areas are extremely busy at this time – including nearby villages, and we urge motorists to allow plenty of time for their travels. "We anticipate that there will be significant disruption for the next few days, and motorists are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys and to keep up to date with the latest traffic and travel information via Traffic Wales. "We are urging the public to: Keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby, as a precaution due to smoke in the area. Avoid the area, there are significant delays on the A55 and surrounding routes. Use the strategic diversion route. "We thank the public for their continued patience and cooperation as agencies work together to manage the situation safely and effectively." The view from Conwy Marina (Image: North Wales Live ) Was anybody injured? There were fears that people might have been trapped inside the tunnel as smoke billowed out. The emergency services have not yet commented on whether anyone was hurt, but the fire service confirmed there were no fatalities. When will the tunnel reopen? On Thursday evening, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said that, "due to the scale of the incident and the need for ongoing safety assessments, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a significant amount of time. "Detailed inspections will need to be carried out to determine the extent of any damage before the tunnel can be safely re-opened." They added that they expected there to be "significant disruption" for "the next few days". The eastbound tunnel has re-opened, with traffic using it via a contraflow system. As the fire happened in the westbound tunnel, it is understood that this could remain closed for some time. 'I thought it might explode', witnesses say Eira D'Arcy, who was travelling to Anglesey, said: "The tunnel was still open when we came through. It was scary as I thought it may explode and wanted to get out of the tunnel." Another driver told North Wales Live that there was "smoke everywhere" and emergency messages playing in the tunnel. Marcus Copeland said: "We were coming back from Anglesey when we saw some white smoke coming from the tunnel, then lots of thick black smoke started coming out. We were the closest vehicle to the tunnel at that point, so we pulled over into a slip road and walked up the bank, there was acrid black smoke everywhere. It was really bad. "You could here audio messages in the tunnel telling people to leave their vehicles and walk out. There are lots of police and fire engines at the scene. "Cars were being turned round the wrong way on the A55 to come off and we are the last car coming off down a slip road. Looking behind us you can see the A55 is empty, apart from wagons and buses which are also now being turned around. There is still lots of black smoke. "It is really hot and whatever caused the fire, it could have been caused by the heat." Article continues below
