Pregnancy and driving fines: what mums-to-be should know before getting in the car
Here’s how to stay safe and legal behind the wheel throughout pregancy – and the surprising fines mums-to-be could face.
Pregnancy stops you from drinking alcohol, eating sushi, and enjoying blue cheese — but you might not know that it could also prevent you from legally driving.
An expert from Tempcover, a temporary car insurance company, has shared her advice on how to keep safe, comfortable and on the right side of the law during pregnancy.
If you’re planning to stay behind the wheel right up to your final weeks, here’s what you need to know.
The legal stuff mums-to-be should know
Driving during pregnancy isn’t just about how you feel in the driver’s seat – the law has clear rules around pregnancy-related conditions. If you develop a condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you must tell the DVLA. Ignoring this requirement could mean you get a fine and put you and your baby at risk.
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, explains: “While pregnancy itself doesn’t require notifying the DVLA, certain conditions that could still arise during the third trimester do. Conditions such late-stage gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sickness must be reported — and failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1000.”
Seatbelt positioning is another key area where mistakes can be unlawful. Seatbelts “offer the best protection for both mother and baby in a collision. Get it wrong and drivers not only increase the risk of injury but could also face a £500 fine,” Claire says.
Listen to your body behind the wheel
Pregnancy can bring all sorts of changes, from fatigue to dizziness, which can make driving feel tougher than usual. There’s no set point when pregnant women should stop driving, but paying attention to your body is essential.
“It’s crucial to recognise when you’re not fit to drive,” Claire says. “If you’re feeling sick, fatigued or too dizzy to focus, you risk not only your safety but are also committing a motoring offence. In severe cases, it may even be classed as dangerous driving.”
If your pregnancy belly is making reaching the pedals or steering wheel tricky, you’re finding it hard to check your mirrors comfortably, or you’re feeling tired enough that it’s slowing your reactions, “it may be time to hand over the keys,” Claire says.
Safety tips for driving in late pregnancy
Claire has some handy tips for mums-to-be who still drive their cars throughout pregnancy.
“Proper positioning of the seatbelt is crucial,” she says. “The lap strap should sit low, tucked under the baby bump, while the diagonal strap should run across the chest over the shoulder.”
She also recommended adjusting your seat to create as much space as possible between your bump and the steering wheel, to reduce risks of injury if the airbag deploys.
Taking regular breaks – ideally every 90 minutes – can help to improve circulation and prevent fatigue.
And carrying your maternity notes can be a lifesaver in case you need emergency care while out and about.
For some mums-to-be, giving up driving can feel like losing independence. But Claire says that temporary insurance is a practical way to share the load, allowing partners, friends, or family members to legally drive your car without having to adjust your full annual policy. Temporary policies can cover as little as an hour or as long as 28 days, allowing you flexibility while you prepare for your incoming baby.