DRIVERS who suffer with hay fever could be slapped with a huge fine and penalty points this summer.

With the Met Office predicting pollen counts to shoot up to “very high” over the next week, hay fever sufferers who get behind the wheel could be given more than one reason for watery eyes.

When it comes to 'driving under the influence' many drivers wouldn't consider their over-the-counter hay fever medication as being particularly dangerous, but you could be committing the offence without even realising.

According to Quotezone.co.uk, the Road Traffic Act, does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications for afflictions such as hay fever.

Dorset Echo:

Meaning any type of drug that affects a motorist’s ability to drive could potentially result in a £5,000 fine and points on your licence, even if it is something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness.

Alex Kindred, a car insurance expert with comparison site Confused.com explained: “Pollen counts are high, so many motorists will be desperately relying on antihistamines to keep hay fever symptoms at bay.

"But it’s important to check our medication is non-drowsy, or we could be hit with a fine or driving ban, for taking certain medication that affects driving ability.

“Some hay fever medications, such as chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine and promethazine, are known to cause drowsiness as a side effect."

The comparison site has a drug driving calculator on its website, which describes common side affects associated with various types of medication, and not just those used to treat allergies.

Dorset Echo:

One in four people in the UK suffer from hay fever, approximately 16 million people, according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.

Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, and affects around 25 per cent of people.

Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which actually has two peaks, and the season lasts from mid-May until July.

Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically covers the end of June to September.

Whilst you do not need to disclose suffering from Hay Fever to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, The Highway Code states motorists must be fit to drive their car.

So even if you have not taken Hay Fever medication, you must consider if your symptoms could impact your ability to drive.