Car passengers could be fined £2,500 and receive points on their licence this bank holiday weekend – how to avoid it
CAR passengers are being warned they could be fine if they make a simple mistake this bank holiday weekend.
The mistake could lead to a £2,500 fine, 10 points on their licence or even a ban from driving entirely.
Insurer is warning of the potential penalties if you grab a lift home from a learner driver after a boozy trip to the pub this bank holiday weekend.
Anyone supervising a ‘designated’ learner driver while they are over the legal drinking limit can face fines of up to £2,500, 10 points on their licence, or a ban from driving – even when they’re not at the wheel.
James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo says: “Lots of us will want to make the most of an extra day off this bank holiday by having a few drinks.
“Making arrangements for post-pub lifts will be at the front of people’s minds. A student or teenager who is learning to drive, looking to get in some extra practice and earn some extra cash might seem like a good candidate.
“Parents of learner drivers – or their friends – might be tempted to offer taxi money in exchange for a lift home, and cash-strapped learners might be happy to accept.
“But many people don’t realise that accepting a lift from a learner – no matter how confident they are – means that, as a qualified driver, you are responsible for control of the vehicle.
“This means that you must comply with the rules you would normally adhere to if you were in the driving seat – including being under the drink drive limit.
READ MORE ON DRINK DRIVING
But there are more things you need to make sure of before climbing into the car after a few jars.
James Armstrong continued: “You also need to make sure you’re qualified to supervise a learner in the first place.
“Supervisors must be at least over the age of 21, have held their licence for three years and be insured on the vehicle.
“So if you’re planning on having a few drinks, it’s best to avoid pulling in favours from learners and draw straws among those with full driving licences as to who will be the designated driver. “
