Motorists risk penalties reaching £5,000 if they fail to maintain adequate airflow inside their vehicles during warm conditions, specialists have cautioned.

With thermometers expected to climb to unprecedented levels this bank holiday weekend, vehicle owners are being advised to activate climate control systems or lower windows to adhere to Highway Code guidelines.

The southern regions of England and the Midlands may experience readings of 33°C on Monday, which would exceed Britain’s existing May temperature record of 32.8°C.

Section 237 of the Highway Code specifies that automobiles must have sufficient air circulation to avoid drivers becoming sleepy, placing the obligation on motorists to keep their vehicles comfortable and cool when temperatures rise.

Advisors from Swansway Motor Group warned that violating Section 237 could lead to an immediate financial penalty if authorities determine that careless driving or a collision occurred because of inadequate ventilation.

They explained that a vehicle that has become too warm can induce drowsiness, placing the driver in a hazardous driving condition.

Those discovered to have broken the regulation could be issued a £1,000 penalty for irresponsible driving.

Should insufficient ventilation contribute to a severe crash or physical harm, the financial penalty could increase to £5,000 alongside nine penalty points on the driver’s record.

Swansway Motor Group further noted that proper ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining alertness and safe motoring.

They advised that without sufficient air movement, a vehicle’s cabin can heat up rapidly, resulting in driver tiredness and delayed responses.

Although certain Highway Code enforcement actions may appear harsh to many motorists, government officials emphasize they represent statutory obligations, and non-compliance could result in imprisonment.

Officials state that numerous provisions within the Code carry legal force, meaning that disregarding them constitutes a criminal offence.

They warn that offenders may receive fines, accumulate penalty points, or lose their driving privileges, with incarceration possible in the most severe instances.

While the Highway Code itself is not legislation, many of its provisions do translate into legal obligations, making it essential that motorists observe the guidance provided.