Urgent warning to drivers who could be fined £5,000 over simple mistake… and how to avoid it

DRIVERS have been warned they could be hit with a giant fine for breaking a little known rule behind the wheel.

The insight comes after 3000 motorists were surveyed by the International Drivers Association on their knowledge of road rules.

One little known directive revealed motorists could be fined £5000 for stopping on a live lane on a smart motorway.

To be hit with the fine, it must be determined that the driver could have taken reasonable steps to prevent their situation.

This may include running out of fuel, according to the association.

The act could be also result in the motorist being charged with careless driving.

The punishment for this is a fine of up to £5,000, up to nine points on a licence, and a driving ban.

Other little known rules, according to the survey, include that a red X sign displayed above a lane means that lane must be driven in.

Another was that if a red X is displayed, or if there are no speed limit signs above the hard shoulder, it should not be driven in.

Unlawful driving on the hard shoulder can lead to a £100 fine and three points on a licence.

For others, stopping for food and eating while driving is a common occurrence but it can actually carry a pricey punishment.

The insight comes from Motor Insurance Expert at Confused.com, Louise Thomas, who explained this could land drivers in trouble.

“As eating often requires the use of your hands, you could land yourself a fine of up to £5,000 and points on your licence," she said.

"This is because you would be driving without due care and attention in the case of an accident."