UK drivers have been warned they could face fines of £1,000 for not drinking enough water as Brits aim to make the most out of the weather this weekend.

Even though Scotland is set to be spared the extreme heat expected in parts of England and Wales, drivers across the whole of the country being urged to ensure they are properly hydrated before setting off on car journeys - particularly given the higher temperatures inside a vehicle - to avoid the chance of incurring a four-figure fine.

Motorists face the hefty penalty for “failing to have proper control” of a vehicle due to dehydration symptoms including dizziness and a loss of focus at the wheel.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of "failure to have proper control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead" carries with it a maximum £1,000 fine (£2,500 if driving a PCV or goods vehicle) and three penalty points - along with the potential to be disqualified depending on the seriousness of the offence.

NHS guidance on staying hydrated amid UK heatwave

According to the NHS, Brits should be drinking between six and eight glasses of water a day, or 1.2 to 1.5 litres.

UK drivers urged to drink more water

Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, told The Express: We’re used to checking the water and oil levels of our car before we set off but how many people check their own water levels?

"When starting your car before a long-distance journey, you may not think drinking an extra glass of water before leaving the house would affect your driving abilities, but you would be wrong.

“Drinking more water will not only have a positive effect on the body but will also prevent the chance of dizziness or loss of focus because of it.”