Even if you don’t live on ‘Fine Street’, here’s how you can avoid the most common driving fines

You don’t have to live on a road nicknamed ‘Fine Street’ to get caught out.

Every year, thousands of people across the UK are fined for simple, avoidable mistakes. Sometimes it’s because the law’s changed and you didn’t realise. Sometimes it’s a quick lapse in concentration. And sometimes, you’re just driving somewhere unfamiliar and miss a sign.

With so many offences now picked up by cameras and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), there’s less room than ever for error.

The UK’s ‘Fine Streets’ - are you driving on one?

A recent Freedom of Information request carried out for Confused.com asked UK councils about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Out of 383 councils, 359 responded. 

Apparently, there are ten so-called ‘Fine Streets’ across Britain. Together, they’ve racked up more than £43m in fines in just one year.

According to the investigation, some single streets have been responsible for more than half of all PCNs issued by their councils over a 12-month period.

Here’s where drivers are most likely to get caught out:

• Corporation Street, Birmingham – The biggest offender, with 62,725 PCNs in the last financial year. Most were for breaches of the Clean Air Zone, according to Birmingham City Council.
• Oxford Street, Manchester – 39,521 tickets, particularly between Whitworth Street and Chepstow Street, thanks to bus lanes and pay-and-display parking restrictions.
• Cumberland Road, Bristol – 37,862 PCNs, largely due to a bus gate enforced from January 2024 by Bristol City Council.
• Heaton Lane, Stockport – 34,284 fines after a 'bus gate' was introduced by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.
• Station Parade, Barking – 33,419 fines, mainly for entering a pedestrianised zone.

As most of these fines being linked to bus lanes, bus gates, Clean Air Zones and pedestrian-only areas, it suggests that rather than driving recklessly, many of us are missing vital signage.

So, what are the most common driving fines overall, and how can you avoid becoming the next statistic?

Seven most common driving fines, and how you can avoid them

Tyre and MOT specialists at Kwik Fit have highlighted the seven most common driving fines.

Here’s what you need to watch out for, not just to protect your wallet, but to keep you and everyone else safe.

1. Speeding

This one’s obvious, but it still catches thousands of drivers every year.

How to avoid it:

• regularly check road signs, especially in unfamiliar areas
• watch for sudden changes in speed limits
• don’t rely solely on your sat nav, as it isn’t always up to date

A few seconds saved isn’t worth the fine, and the risk.

2. Bus lane violations

Bus lanes and bus gates are responsible for huge numbers of PCNs, particularly in city centres.

How to avoid it:

• keep an eye on signs before turning into new roads
• look for road markings as well as overhead signage
• use navigation apps that flag restricted lanes

If you’re unsure, don’t guess, take a moment to check.

3. Using your mobile phone at the wheel

It’s illegal to hold or use your phone while driving, and for good reason.

How to avoid it:

• set up navigation before you set off
• let people know you’re driving so you won’t respond
• use a proper dock if you’re using hands-free features

If you absolutely need to use your phone, pull over safely and switch the engine off. No message is that urgent.

4. Not wearing a seatbelt

You might think this one’s basic but you’d be surprised how often it happens.

How to avoid it:

• make seatbelts non-negotiable for everyone in the car, front and back
• check that warning lights are working properly
• fix any seatbelt mechanism issues straight away

It’s one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself.

5. Parking fines and PCNs

Parking mistakes are incredibly common, especially in busy towns and cities.

How to avoid it:

• check signs and bay markings carefully before leaving your vehicle
• double-check time limits and payment instructions
• use parking apps that send reminders or let you extend your stay remotely

A 30-second sign check can save you a hefty fine.

6. Driving without valid insurance or MOT

This usually isn’t deliberate, it’s disorganisation.

How to avoid it:

• set calendar reminders for renewal dates
• check your MOT status online via the government website
• don’t assume auto-renewal has gone through, confirm it

A quick reminder now can prevent serious penalties later.

7. Careless or dangerous driving

This can include tailgating, sudden lane changes, or driving aggressively.

How to avoid it:

• allow plenty of time for your journey
• stay calm, even if traffic’s frustrating
• avoid distractions
• be patient and aware of what’s happening around you

Rushing is often what leads to mistakes.

You don’t have to drive down one of Britain’s ‘Fine Streets’ to get caught out.

Most fines don’t happen because you’re reckless. They happen because you’re distracted, in a rush, or unfamiliar with the area.

To help avoid them, stay alert. Check the signs. Give yourselves extra time. And when in doubt, slow down and double-check.

Your wallet, and everyone else on the road, will thank you.