UK drivers risk £2,500 fine and 3 points by making this common mistake in September

Brits have been warned of a common driving mistake that can result in a £2,500 fine and three points on their licence. Alexander Haraldsson, CEO of Lotus Car Rental, has shared his top tips for safe drivingthis autumn, with one topping the list.

In wetter autumn weather, cars tend to get dirtier more quickly. It's important to keep your car clean, as this ensures your number plate is visible and legally compliant. According to Highway Code 299, an obscured number plate can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence.

Another of Haraldsson's tips is to allow for extra time on your journey, as you would when it's icy. Leave time to de-steam your windows to avoid obstructions to vision whilst driving. The Highway Code Rule 229 states that "windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision". He added that wet leaves can be as dangerous as black ice, and stopping distances can be double what they are on dry roads. Also recommended is to avoid large puddles. It is safest to slow down, check your mirrors, and drive around it.

Driving quickly through puddles can lead to aquaplaning, where your tyres lose grip on the road surface and you lose control of the car. It can also flood your brakes, which is not only expensive to fix but also a serious safety hazard.

Intentionally splashing pedestrians is an offence under Section Three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which can be classed as "careless and inconsiderate driving" and may result in a fine and three penalty points.

Ensuring that your clothing doesn't impact safety is also an important autumn check. You should be able to easily feel the pedals through your shoes, so you should avoid wearing footwear that reduces this sensitivity, including Ugg boots, wellies and biker boots.

Additionally, bulky outerwear, such as puffer coats and thick gloves, can also pose a risk. Highway Code Rule 97 warns that your "clothing and footwear cannot prevent you from controlling the vehicle" and poses a risk of £1,000 for failure to control a vehicle.

Haraldsson also recommends becoming familiar with the location of your fog lights and how to operate them. Highway Code Rule 236 states that you "must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100 metres)".

It also warns they should be turned off as soon as visibility improves, as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights.