Chocolate eggs, hot cross buns and car snacks are staples of Easter weekend, but these treats could land UK drivers with fines of up to £5,000 if they're caught eating behind the wheel.

More than 19 million journeys were made over the Easter weekend last year, with similar levels expected again this year as millions of drivers get ready for the bank holiday weekend.

Automotive experts at Swansway Motor Group are warning that eating whilst driving, or dealing with messy distractions, could fall under careless driving laws if they affect control of the vehicle.

Under UK law, drivers must remain in full control at all times and even minor distractions can result in penalties.

Eating chocolate behind the wheel could be classed as careless driving. There's no specific law against eating while driving, but if it distracts you, it can quickly become a legal issue.

Drivers judged not to be in proper control of their vehicle can receive a £100 fine and three penalty points. In more serious cases, this can rise to £5,000, nine points and even a driving ban.

Dropped sweets and wrappers in the footwell can be dangerous. Loose items like wrappers or drinks bottles rolling under pedals can interfere with braking or acceleration.

If this leads to unsafe driving, it can also fall under careless driving rules, carrying the same penalties of up to £5,000 and points on your licence.

Snacks can slow reaction times. Research has shown drivers who eat while driving can significantly slow reaction times - in some cases by up to 44%, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Even quick bites in traffic or at traffic lights take your attention away from the road. 

Overloading your car for Easter trips could leave you with fines. Packing the boot for Easter trips might seem harmless, but if items block your rear view mirror or aren't secured properly, this could be considered as unsafe driving.

Police can issue penalties if your view is obstructed or if items pose a risk in the event of sudden braking.

Dirty number plates after long journeys could cost £1,000. Spring road trips often leave cars covered in dirt, but if your number plate becomes unreadable, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. Drivers are legally required to keep plates clean and visible at all times.

A spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group said:"Easter's all about enjoying the journey, whether that's heading off on a long weekend or just meeting up with your family. It's easy to forget how quickly small distractions can turn into something more serious behind the wheel.

"Something as simple as unwrapping a chocolate egg or reaching for a snack might not seem like a big deal, but if it affects your control of the car, the consequences can be much bigger than people expect."