14 June 2023 , 10:59
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The weather is sweltering in the UK and many regions in England have been issued a yellow weather warning as the mercury soars - and the high temperatures will be here for a few days yet.
In some places, it could reach 30C today, so understandably people will be looking for ways to cool off in the extreme heat - maybe by taking a dip in the sea, or by stripping off as much as possible.
But some activities are illegal and if you partake, you could end up with a huge fine, or worse.
Here we've taken a look at some of the things that are illegal to do in a heatwave, from swimming in the wrong spots to driving without shoes.
Don't do this if you want to avoid a fine (Getty Images/iStockphoto)How do you keep cool in the heatwave? Let us know in the comments...
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Driving without shoes
With temperatures soaring across the United Kingdom, drivers are being warned not to take to their cars barefoot, in flip-flops, or sandals.
While not illegal in all cases, failing to have the correct footwear on when you drive breaches rule 97 of the Highway Code, and could see you charged with driving without due care and attention.
To help Britons out, the RAC has compiled a list of what footwear you should avoid using when operating your vehicle, with sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet making the list.
You have to wear proper footwear while driving (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Also deemed unlikely to be safe are clunky walking boots and high-heeled stilettos.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that you must sport footwear and clothing which isn't likely to prevent you from using the controls of your vehicle in the correct manner.
This means if you're unfortunately in an accident and the police see you wearing flipflops or no footwear at all, you'll be liable for a 'driving without due care and attention' charge - which carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three points on your licence.
If it escalates to court, both could rise substantially to a fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points. You could also face a full-scale driving ban.
Dogs can really suffer in the heat (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Leaving dogs in cars
Drivers have been warned to keep their dogs safe, as every summer multiple stories are shared about dogs being left in hot cars.
If your pet gets too hot, they can suffer heat stroke and, in the worst-case scenario, die - and as a result, if you leave a dog in the car and anything happens to them, you could end up in serious trouble.
Any drivers committing such offences have been warned that they could face an unlimited fine or even jail time over an animal cruelty charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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Open the car window for your dog's health, and to stay out of trouble (Getty Images)It's crucial to put things in place to allow your furry friend to stay cool in the summer months and never leave them in the car.
Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, said: "In the UK it's not illegal to leave your pet alone in the car, but if something was to happen as the result of leaving them, you could find yourself faced with an animal cruelty charge, an unlimited fine and potential six-months jail sentence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. You should never leave a pet in a car even with the windows open on a hot day.
"There is likely little airflow, even in the shade, to provide adequate cooling for your pet. The temperature inside a vehicle can double in less than an hour even with windows open."
If you spot an animal in the car on a hot day, it is advised that you should inform police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as the names and contact details of witnesses.
Breaking into the car could be classed as committing criminal damage.
Not turning on the AC or opening a window
Rule 237 of the Highway Code says you must keep your vehicle well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness.
Driving while tired isn’t an offence, but the AA says it can drastically increase your chances of driving dangerously, which can result in a serious penalty.
Max penalty: 2 years in prison, 3-11 points and an unlimited fine.
Meanwhile, everyday sunglasses can be too dark for driving, according to the AA.
Some sunglasses can also affect your sight, as the edge of the frame blocks your peripheral vision. If your sunglasses aren’t fit for driving, you could be penalised for careless and inconsiderate driving.
On the other hand, the Highway Code says you should pull over if you are ever ‘dazzled by bright sunlight’. If you aren’t wearing the correct sunglasses that safely prevent you from being dazzled, you could risk being hit with a fine for careless driving.
Sunbathing in the nude
As temperatures soar, many Brits will be tempted to indulge in some naked sunbathing in their own back garden.
Given the current heatwave, we can see why - it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the glorious weather in your own private space.
But while it may seem a good idea, there are a few things you can do to ensure you don't face any trouble.
The good news is that the law states it's not an offence to strip off in public, but naturally, there are caveats attached to this.
It can become an offence if being naked causes distress or alarm to others.
We can see why you'd want to strip off in this weather (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The Crown Prosecution Service says: "In the case of naturism a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress."
The advice from the police is to let your neighbours know if you plan to sunbathe topless in your back garden to avoid any awkward situations.
Surrey Police previously shared a post about the issue after a row between neighbours in Reigate.
The post read: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law.
"In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police.
"In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions," it added.
The police suggested sunbathing in one part of the garden that's screened from view.
"You will have to decide whether your desire to be naked in your garden is more important to you than being on friendly terms with those around you," it said.
"No one has the right to spy on you and if you find that your neighbour is leaning out of an upstairs window or standing on the top of a step ladder in order to see you then he or she may well be committing an offence."
Swimming is a great way to keep cool (Getty Images)Swimming
One of the best ways to cool off in the heat is to go for a swim, but while that's great if you live by the coast - others aren't so lucky.
Swimming at the beach is fine, but there are some waterways where jumping in will land you in hot water.
Last year, Bristol City Council issued a warning urging people to stay out of the harbour as it's a working area and it is illegal to swim in it.
They tweeted: "With the temperatures rising you may be considering an instant cool down. Please do not be tempted to swim in the harbour and waterways, as entering the water presents significant risks.
"Call 999 and ask for the fire service if you see someone in trouble in the water."