How to avoid fines when driving a borrowed car for a few hours

Make Sure You’re Legally Covered

The first and most important thing to check is whether you’re legally allowed to drive the car. In the UK, it’s illegal to drive without valid insurance, and borrowing a car doesn’t automatically mean you’re covered.

Here’s what you need to confirm before driving:

• Does the owner’s insurance policy cover you? Some policies include additional drivers, but many do not.
• Do you need short-term insurance? If the car owner’s policy doesn’t cover you, you may need to arrange temporary cover before driving.
• Are there any licence restrictions? Some policies have age or experience requirements for additional drivers.

Driving without insurance could result in a £300 fine and six penalty points, or even having the car seized by the police. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to double-check before getting behind the wheel.

Check the MOT, Road Tax, and Servicing

Even if you’re insured, the car itself must be legally roadworthy. If you’re borrowing a vehicle, ask the owner about:

• MOT status: A car must have a valid MOT certificate if it’s over three years old. If the MOT has expired, you could face fines of up to £1,000.
• Road tax: Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) must be paid to drive legally on public roads.
• Tyre condition: The legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. Driving with worn tyres could lead to a fine of £2,500 per tyre.

It may not be your car, but if you’re driving it, you’re responsible for making sure it’s roadworthy.

Watch Out for Parking Rules

Parking fines are one of the most common issues drivers face when borrowing a car. Different councils have different rules, and private car parks can be tricky.

To avoid parking fines:

• Check whether the car has a valid resident’s permit if you’re parking in a controlled zone.
• Make sure you understand pay-and-display rules and time limits.
• Avoid parking in disabled bays unless the vehicle has a valid blue badge.
• Read private car park signs carefully - some require registration at a machine, even if parking is free.

Parking tickets can be issued to the car owner, meaning they could be left with a fine because of your mistake. Always double-check the rules before leaving the car.

Keep an Eye on Speed Limits

It’s easy to get caught out by speed limits, especially in areas you’re unfamiliar with. Many drivers assume that motorways and dual carriageways are where they’re most likely to be caught speeding, but most fines are actually issued on residential roads with 30 mph (or lower) limits.

Common speed limit areas to be aware of:

• Motorways: 70 mph unless otherwise stated.
• Dual carriageways: Usually 70 mph but can be lower.
• Residential areas: Typically 30 mph, but some are 20 mph zones.
• Near schools: Speed limits often drop to 20 mph.

Speeding fines start at £100 and three penalty points but can go much higher depending on the offence. If you’re borrowing a car, don’t assume it has cruise control or speed alerts - pay attention to road signs at all times.

Be Aware of Clean Air Zones and Toll Roads

Some cities in the UK now have Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or toll roads that require payment for certain vehicles to enter. If the car you’re borrowing isn’t exempt, the owner could receive a fine in the post.

To avoid unexpected charges:

• Check whether you’ll be driving through a Clean Air Zone (e.g., London, Birmingham, or Bristol).
• Look up toll roads (e.g., the M6 Toll in the Midlands).
• Confirm whether the owner has automatic payment set up, or if you’ll need to arrange it yourself.

Failing to pay a CAZ or toll charge could result in a fine, so it’s worth checking before you set off.

What If You Get a Fine?

Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. If you receive a fine whilst driving a borrowed car, here’s what to do:

• Inform the car owner as soon as possible.
• Check if the fine is issued to the driver or the registered keeper.
• Pay the fine promptly to avoid additional charges.

Most fines have reduced rates if paid quickly, so acting fast can save money.

Our Closing Message:

Borrowing a car for a few hours might seem simple, but there are a number of legal and practical considerations to keep in mind. Ensuring you have the right insurance, checking the car’s legal status, and avoiding common driving fines can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

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