Six bizarre ways Brit drivers can be hit with £1,000s in fines – giving a pal money for petrol could land £2,500 penalty

AN expert has revealed six bizarre ways in which British drivers can be hit with fines of up to £2,500.

Most drivers are aware the speeding, jumping red lights and other road traffic infringements can land them with a fine.

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As summer approaches, many of us will be packing the car with mates and heading to festivals such as Glastonbury.

However now experts at have revealed how drivers heading to music festivals need to stay on the right side of the law to avoid a hefty fine.

Here are the six hazards drivers need to be aware of as we head toward festival season.

Sleeping in your car whilst drunk

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While driving while over the limit can result in a prison sentence, few realise that sleeping in your car after drinking can result in a big fine.

Even if the engine is turned off, the driver could be deemed to be “drunk in charge of a motor vehicle.”

Taking payments as a driver

While letting your mates contribute to petrol money is fine, drivers who accept a fee could be breaking the law.

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Running an unlicensed taxi can result in drivers facing a fine of upto £2,500, invalidated insurance and even points on their license.

Driving in wellies

While they are perfect for wandering around Glastonbury , driving while wearing wellies is not a good idea.

Whilst this is not illegal, Highway Code 97 states drivers must ensure that 'clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.

If you’re involved in an accident or found not operating a vehicle safely by the police or your insurer, you could be at risk of a £5,000 fine, nine points on your license and even ending up in court.

Overloading your car

While many drivers head to the festival with the car packed with friends, rucksacks and beer, it is unwise to exceed the vehicle's maximum loading weight.

Ignoring this could land you a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points. In more serious cases, such as an accident, this could invalidate your insurance.

Dirty number plates

The Highway Code states that drivers must take special care to maintain their car and ensure it is working properly, stating "lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear".

Avoiding doing so could risk landing a £1,000 fine.

Driving whilst tired

While driving while tired does not have the stigma of drink or drug driving, it can still pose serious risks, with 10-20% of all crashes estimated to be caused by driver fatigue.

Under the Highway Code, drivers must “get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey” and “not begin a journey if you are tired”.

Drivers found guilty of dangerous driving could be hit with an unlimited fine, a driving ban and a prison sentence.

Simon Waye, Technical Support Engineer at ATS said: "Amidst the excitement of festival season, motorists must remain vigilant and mindful of the rules of the road.

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"We urge all drivers to familiarise themselves with local driving laws, regulations and vehicle handbooks.”