Motorists could be slapped with a £100 fine for breaking a passenger rule many are not aware of, according to experts. Nick Millerchip, spokesperson at Van Junkies, stressed carrying too many passengers could be a problem. 

Officials state road users are “only allowed one person in each seat fitted with a seat belt.” Motorists must make sure they wear a seatbelt while behind the wheel or sitting in a car as a passenger. That may appear obvious, but even having the correct amount of passengers for the seats in a vehicle could be too many depending on the circumstances. 

A car packed full of friends or family members could be a major deterrent for motorists with newly qualified road users perhaps most at risk. 

Passengers may divert motorists' attention away from the road which could be considered careless driving and see motorists hit with fines of up to £100.

Nick said: “Many drivers overlook the impact of having too many passengers in their vehicles. Although no strict laws state the exact number of passengers allowed, it can lead to distractions or even blind spots that make driving dangerous.

“If caught, drivers could face fines of £100 for careless driving, and potentially invalidate their insurance in the process."

The AA has even urged passengers to avoid extensive conversations when motorists should be concentrating. 

They explained: “Whether you're just nipping to the high street or off on a road trip, a driver has to juggle complex junctions and other drivers around them, as well as keeping an eye out for all signs or turnings; even the most skilled of multi-taskers would need their full attention. 

“It's always smart to be considerate with your conversations. Try to wait for quieter stretches of road, or when you're waiting in traffic, before going in for a chin wag.”