You don’t need to be IN your car to break serious driving law this Christmas – avoid £2,500 fine and 3 years in JAIL

DRIVERS have been warned they don't even need to be inside their vehicle to break a serious driving law this Christmas.

As the festive season approaches, car owners are being encouraged to leave their keys at home if they’re thinking about getting into the spirit of things.

Of course, everyone already knows that drivers shouldn't drive while over the limit, but there are also some lesser-known laws when it comes to alcohol.

One such rule could even see people punished by police if they are not driving or even in their car.

If officers spot someone sitting in their car with the keys in the ignition, or even standing next to their vehicle car with the keys in their hand, they may believe there is an intention to drive while drunk.

In these circumstances, motorists can be prosecuted for drink-driving - serving as a reminder that Christmas partygoers should stay away from their cars.

Experts at Swansway Motor Group said: "Many people don’t realise drink-driving laws in England go beyond being behind the wheel.

“You can be charged with being ‘in control’ of a vehicle even if you’re standing near it while intoxicated.

"If the police believe you had the intention to drive - whether that’s by being close to the car, sitting inside it, or even having the keys in the ignition - you could face serious consequences.

“These include a fine of up to £2,500, three months in prison, or a driving ban.

"The legal definition of drink-driving is broader than most people think, especially during the festive season when incidents tend to rise.”

This comes just days after a major change to fuel rules were revealed that could save drivers hundreds of pounds every year.

The new law, rolled out by the HMRC from December 1, will impact anyone who uses a company car.

To that end, a new dashboard rule affecting 300,000 Brit drivers is set to come into force before the New Year.

The measures are intended to "bolster fair competition and hamper fraud" in one of the nation's most important segments of motoring.

A raft of regulatory changes are being brought in this month on Britain's roads in time for 2025.

These include tweaks to repayment rates on company cars and a ramping up of Net Zero requirements for manufacturers.

And elsewhere, staff working for a major car dealership group risk losing their jobs just weeks before Christmas after the closure of a BMW showroom.

The Dorchester-based outlet shut its doors for the final time on Friday after it was deemed "not viable" due to rising costs.