Everyday Driving Habits That Could Hit Your Wallet (and Your Licence)

Common Mistakes Behind the Wheel That Cost More Than You Think

When it comes to road rules, most drivers are confident about the basics: don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and always buckle up. But there are plenty of smaller, everyday habits that can still land you with fines or penalty points

And those points don’t just sit on your licence, they could push up your insurance premium, depending on the type of offence.

Here are some of the most common (and sometimes surprising) rules worth remembering.

1. Overloading Your Vehicle

It’s tempting to cram the car full for a tip run, house move, or DIY project — but every vehicle has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). Exceed it, and you could be penalised.

• Fine: DVSA fixed penalties depend on how much weight you’re over:
    • 5–9% → £100
    • 10–14% → £200
    • 15%+ → £300
• Official guidance: DVSA graduated fixed penalties

2. Loads That Aren’t Secured

From suitcases to furniture, anything you carry must be properly restrained. If items move or fall, you could be held responsible.

• Fine: Around £100 plus 3 points if the load is unsafe.
• Official guidance: GOV.UK load security

3. Driving Without a Clear View

Stacked boxes blocking your rear view mirror? That’s a problem. You’re required to have full control and a clear view of the road ahead and behind.

• Fine: Up to £1,000 for private vehicles.
• Official guidance: Highway Code Annex 5

4. Tyres Below the Legal Limit

Tyres need to have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters. Anything less is unsafe — and illegal.

• Fine: As much as £2,500 per tyre, plus 3 penalty points.
• Official guidance: GOV.UK tyre safety

5. Seatbelts Are Non-Negotiable

It might sound obvious, but failing to wear a seatbelt, or letting passengers skip theirs, is a chargeable offence.

• Fine: Up to £500.
• Official guidance: Highway Code Annex 5

6. Using a Phone at the Wheel

Even when you’re stationary in traffic, touching your mobile phone is illegal unless you’re safely parked.

• Fine: Up to £1,000 and 6 penalty points (up to £2,500 in larger vehicles).
• Official guidance: Highway Code Annex 5

7. Licence Not Up to Date

If you’ve moved house, you must update your driving licence details with DVLA. Forgetting can be costly.

• Fine: Up to £1,000.
• Official guidance: Update your address with DVLA

8. Pavement Parking

Parking on pavements can be risky business:

• In London, it’s outright illegal unless signs say otherwise. Councils can fine drivers, typically around £70 (reduced to £35 if paid quickly).
• Elsewhere, it’s only banned where local rules are in place.
• Official guidance: Highway Code Rule 244

9. New Driver Penalties

If you’ve held your licence for under two years, the rules are stricter. Reach 6 points and you’ll lose your licence altogether.

• Consequence: Your licence will be revoked and you’ll need to re-sit both the theory and practical tests.
• Official guidance: New driver rules

Why These Rules Matter

The financial penalty is one thing, but it’s the points on your licence that often cause longer-term costs. Insurers may see points as a sign of higher risk, which could mean a bigger bill at renewal.

So next time you’re packing the car to the roof, tempted to glance at your phone in traffic, or squeezing into a pavement space, remember, even everyday mistakes can end up costing you points, pounds, and peace of mind.