‘Check the rules!’ urges motors expert over little-known road law that could see drivers hit with £5,000 fine

BRITS could be hit with a whopping £5,000 fine if they fail to abide by a little-known road law, an expert has warned.

As the bank holiday approaches, drivers are being urged to pay extra attention on what not to do on the road this weekend.

Campervan drivers could have their bank holiday weekend ruined if they break a little-known lawCredit: Alamy

A motors expert revealed that campervan drivers who block traffic could be faced with a £5,000 fineCredit: Alamy

Motorists with campervans must be especially alert not to cause any traffic, an expert at Swansway Motor Group said.

Over this weekend, cops will crack down on drivers breaking the Highway Code, especially Rule 169.

This rule targets those causing long traffic queues, typical of holiday weekends.

Those driving campervans, especially classic models, need to beware that breaking this rule could mean three to nine points on your licence and fines up to £5,000.

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The motor expert also urged drivers to check their licence ahead of their weekend getaway.

They said: "Motorists would be wrong to assume that they can just hop into a campervan and hit the road.

"Regulations regarding when you passed your driving test, and the weight of the vehicle can have an impact on what you’re able to drive.

"However, those who passed their test before that date can drive vehicles up to 7,500kg as driving licences issued before this date were automatically issued with C1 entitlement, a category that now requires an additional test.

"Check your driving licence to be sure, because driving a vehicle without the correct licence can lead to a fine of £1,000 and between three to six points on your driving licence."

Rules around where you can and can’t sleep in your campervan can also be a little hazy, the expert revealed.

I got a $175 parking fine from a city I had never visited – it was their mistake but they said I had to go to court

Blocking the traffic this bank holiday weekend could also mean three to nine points on your licenceCredit: Alamy

The motors whizz also gave tips on where to park your vehicle overnightCredit: Alamy

OVERNIGHT SLEEPING

They explained that the easiest way to be sure you’re on the right side of the law is to stay on an official camp site that accommodates campervans.

The expert said: "The majority of land in England and Wales is privately owned and therefore you are not allowed to camp there unless you have permission from the owner.

"Most car parks are privately owned and will state whether overnight camping is allowed, but often when it is, it’s only for one night.

"The is now specific law that prohibits you from sleeping in a campervan at the side of a road, however, it's an ill-advised practice.

"If you are going to do this, you need to ensure that you are not causing an obstruction, such as parking in a passing place as these are designed to allow traffic to pass each other.

"If you park up at the side of the road, don’t be surprised if law enforcement pay you a visit and ask you to move on."

The road whizz added that some pubs can allow "stopovers" where drivers can park up in their car park overnight.

But this is strictly for one day only and comes with the caveat that only one motorhome or caravan is able to stopover at a time.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Another very important rule to note is on alcohol consumption when you're out and about on your campervan.

Laws around drink driving in the UK are crystal clear and carry severe penalties, but campervan owners should be aware that these laws can still impact them even when parked up for the night, even if you have no intention to move your vehicle.

The expert revealed: "If you drink over the legal driving limit of alcohol whilst parked up in your campervan, then you need to prove that you have no intentions of moving the vehicle until the alcohol has left your system and you are sober.

"The easiest way to do this, is to camp on an official campsite."

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, they added.

Drivers caught attempting to or moving the vehicle whilst over the legal limit, this could lead to six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least one year.