As the new school term begins, thousands of UK motorists are being warned to stay vigilant about car safety laws designed to protect children. Since 2022, over 11,000 fines have been issued for breaches relating to child safety in vehicles, highlighting how crucial it is to understand and follow these rules. Neil Hutchinson from Essex-based Mercury Car Centre has urged parents to avoid common errors like forgetting to activate child locks or driving while tired that could not only endanger children but also lead to heavy fines and even disqualification from driving.
Failing to use child locks might seem minor, but it can actually have some serious consequences. If a child opens a door while the car is moving, the driver could face charges of careless driving, risking fines up to £5,000, points on their licence, or even losing their licence altogether.
Mr Hutchinson said: “Not using child locks may seem like a small oversight, but if a child opens a door mid-drive, it could lead to careless driving charges.
“Depending on the circumstances, this could mean points on your licence, a fine of up to £5,000, or even losing your licence altogether. Engaging the child lock is a simple step that helps keep children safe and avoids serious consequences.”
Penalties for driving while over-fatigued can also range from a £100 fine and three points to up to £5,000, nine points, or disqualification in severe cases.
The expert added: “Parenting can be exhausting, but driving when you’re over-fatigued is extremely dangerous and can be treated as careless driving.
“The penalties range from a £100 fine and three points to as much as a £5,000 fine, nine points, or even disqualification in the most serious cases. If you feel too tired to drive, it’s always best to rest before getting behind the wheel.”
Another common mistake that could cost you £5,000 and nine points is having the music too loud. While it might seem harmless to turn up the volume for a sing-along on the school run, loud music can prevent drivers from hearing emergency vehicles or other hazards. If you’re deemed to be driving without due care and attention due to loud music, the consequences can be severe.
Mr Hutchinson said: “Long car journeys with children often involve music and sing-alongs, but loud music can stop you from hearing potential hazards on the road.
“The Highway Code makes it clear that distractions should be avoided, and if you are found to be driving without due care and attention, the penalties can be severe, up to a £5,000 fine, nine points, or a driving ban.”
Other fines to watch out for include up to £1,000 or a driving ban for distractions such as adjusting a child’s tablet or phone while driving, and up to £500 plus three penalty points for failing to use the correct car seat, which is legally required until a child is 12 years old or 135cm tall.