Motorists have been urged to think twice before a common habit that is common over Christmas (Image: Getty)
Motorists planning to see loved ones over the have been warned over one common practice that could lead to throughout the month.
As drivers get into the festive spirit, many families are planning to visit friends and family for parties and gatherings, with some intending to give loved ones a lift.
However, Derek Henry, Managing Director of the specialist taxi insurer , highlighted that drivers should never charge occupants more than necessary for giving them a lift.
He explained: “Whilst it may seem like a simple act of generosity to offer lifts to your friends and family, drivers need to be aware of the that may come with it. It is not uncommon for drivers to ask for some cash towards when taking friends and family on a long trip.
“While it may not be illegal to take when your friends and family, making a profit from this could land drivers in hefty fine and invalidating their insurance.”
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Drivers who charge loved ones for lifts could be accused of taxi touting and risk fines (Image: Getty)
Whilst car sharing is often widely encouraged to reduce cases of congestion and improve air quality, drivers should always be careful about the amount they ask passengers in return for a lift.
Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, overcharging passengers for lifts is technically considered as ‘taxi touting’, particularly if loved ones were not aware that the motorist was expecting a charge.
An illegal process, drivers caught taxi touting, even with friends or family members, could face fines of up to £2,500 and may also invalidate their insurance policy, which in turn could lead to further penalties.
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Drivers were advised to find other ways for compensating for the lift, such as presents (Image: Getty)
Derek recommended that motorists do not request any financial compensation from loved ones for lifts, instead looking at alternative forms of compensation.
He continued: “This is due to most providers not covering those who are illegally making a profit. To make a profit from giving lifts, road users must have a valid taxi or private hire licence.
“It is advised to refrain from taking any form of payment from loved ones when offering them a lift to ensure that no laws are broken. Drivers are therefore advised that if they choose to offer a lift to loved ones, another form of repayment for doing so would be to take it in turns being designated driver.”
Similarly, motorists planning to give a lift to loved ones were also advised to make sure they do not exceed the passenger limit of their vehicle.
Whilst the UK law does not prevent motorists from carrying more passengers than there are seatbelts, overloading a car with occupants could pose serious safety risks, with the heavier vehicle being more difficult to steer and stop.
As a result, drivers caught behind the wheel of an overloaded vehicle could receive a fine of up to £300 and a maximum of three points on their licence.