UK drivers risk three points on their licence for simple act that thousands do

Brits are being warned about landing themselves with three points on their driving licence for a simple act that thousands have done in their time behind the wheel.

There is a tonne of rules and regulations when it comes to driving. From avoiding a £10,000 fine relating to your tyres to following the less common signs in the Highway Code, there is a lot to take in.

And as a result of none of us being perfect, I don't think any of us can sit here and say we remember everything we revised for our theory tests - especially if you sat it a long time ago.

Well, one little known rule you should remind yourself of concerns getting three points and a £100 fine if you fall foul of it and get clocked by the police.

The offence we're talking about concerns what is officially known as 'leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position'.

In more common settings, you've likely seen this when clocking people who say they are 'just nipping in' somewhere.

A fine and penalty points are on the cards (Getty Stock Images)

Whether that is to pick up a takeaway on a Friday night, post a letter in the nearest post box, or head in to your local Co-op for milk, you've either seen it happen or done it yourself.

And often, you'll see people park up their car in a place they'd never leave it for longer than a few minutes. We're talking double yellows, corners of a junction, blocking traffic, or even wholly over the pavement leaving no zoom for prams, pushchairs or mobility scooters.

Well if you do this, and you're caught, expect three points on your driving licence and an on the spot fine of £100 from law enforcement.

If you get caught on double yellows you'll be fined, even if you are only there for a few minutes (Getty Stock Images)

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "You might only be popping into your local restaurant to pick up a curry or kebab, but if you've parked inconsiderately you risk falling foul of the law.

"And if you're hit with a £100 fine, points on your licence and a hike in the cost of your car insurance, your takeaway dinner will end up looking like one very expensive meal indeed."

The Road Traffic Act 1988 says that if your vehicle, or a trailer attached to your vehicle, 'involves danger of injury to other persons using the road' as a result of where it is parked up, you are 'guilty of an offence'.

When it comes to parking up near a junction, for example, it is in fact illegal to park less than 10 metres from the junction itself.