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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Sophie Buchan

Glasgow drivers warned over taking little-known hay fever tablet amid unlimited fine

Drivers in Glasgow have been warned to take care this season when out behind the wheel.

It comes as we approach the warmer season with the likes of 'high pollen and 'pollen bombs' being searched with people keen to know how to keep their symptoms under control.

Whilst some people do not need medication for theirs, others do with those taking tablets being warned they should think before they take them and they need to drive.

READ MORE: Guilt's Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives reflect on Glasgow and the 'finest' finale

New research from car insurance experts, Comparethemarket, reveals many driving regulations often slip under the radar during spring.

As hay fever can cause extreme eye irritation and vision problems, and allergy medication can cause drowsiness, drivers who get behind the wheel while suffering from severe levels of these conditions need to be aware that they are at risk of violating rule 90 of the Highway Code, they warn.

This rule states that drivers must be fit to drive their vehicle as if they are not, they could be breaking this law which can lead to an unlimited fine or discretionary disqualification.

Not only that, drivers could get somewhere between three to nine penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving.

In addition to this, their research found out that almost two thirds (63 per cent) of drivers are not aware that driving while suffering with severe hay fever symptoms - or have taken medication that may impact their ability to control a vehicle - could lead to breaking the Highway Code

If you suffer badly but still need to drive, it is advised that you talk to a healthcare professional for advice before getting behind the wheel.

Julie Daniels, car insurance expert at Comparethemarket comments: “Staying up to date with the latest version of the Highway Code is the easiest way to avoid fines and penalties while driving. Even having just a few penalty points on your licence could cause issues for you, as they stay on record for at least four years and make it more difficult to get good car insurance deals. In fact, our data shows that having between 3-5 points on your license could increase your insurance premium by up to 4% on average, while having 6-8 points could increase premiums costs by up to 62% on average.

You can follow the latest additions on the GOV.UK website or sign up for email alerts to be notified whenever updates are made.”

The table below shows the fines drivers are at risk of facing this spring:

Action

Rule

Maximum Fines & Penalties

Driving with hay fever and/or taking drowsy allergy tablets

Highway Code Rule 90:

Ensuring you are fit to drive

Careless and inconsiderate driving

Unlimited fine

3-9 penalty points

Taking drowsy allergy tablets

Highway Code Rule 91:

Do not drive when tired

Dangerous driving

2 years imprisonment

Unlimited fine

3-11 penalty points

Driving in wellies

Highway Code Rule 97:

Footwear cannot prevent you using the controls in the correct manner

Failure to have proper control of vehicle

£1,000 fine

3 penalty points

Splashing pedestrians

Section 3, Road Traffic Act 1988

Driving without reasonable consideration for other persons

Driving without reasonable consideration

£100

3 penalty points

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