Spring can be a frustrating time for drivers. While the lighter mornings and evenings are welcome, the changing season brings a new set of hazards on the road. With that in mind, experts have warned that motorists should be extra careful during April, as several lesser-known rules could leave them facing fines.

According to motoring experts at DiscoverCars.com, there are five common spring mistakes that drivers often overlook. One of them involves something many people do without thinking, and that's parking under a tree. It might seem like a good idea on a sunny day, especially if you are trying to keep your car cool.

But drivers are now being urged to think twice before doing so for the rest of April.

That is because tree blossom and sap can stick to your windows and, if not removed properly, could block your windscreen or rear window, potentially landing you with a fine.

Experts at DiscoverCars.com warn that while an obstructed view could result in a fixed penalty notice of £60, an extremely dirty windscreen or windows could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Tree sap and blossom can be particularly sticky in spring and may not simply blow away on their own. If it affects your visibility, it could be considered a driving offence.

But parking under trees is not the only thing motorists should watch out for.

Drivers who suffer from hayfever are also being warned about the risks of certain tablets. Some hayfever medication can cause drowsiness and may affect concentration, reaction time and coordination behind the wheel.

If your medication warns against "operating heavy machinery", this includes driving a car. A drug-driving charge could result in a driving ban for up to a year, a fine, up to six months in prison or even a criminal record.

Even with a medical defence, drivers could still face a 12-month ban if their driving is judged to be impaired. Fines could reach £1,000.

Sneezing can also pose a risk. According to the AA, if you sneeze while driving at 70mph, you could effectively be driving blind for 70 yards.

Losing control of your vehicle could result in a fine between £100 and £2,500, along with three to nine penalty points.

April showers can also bring puddles, and splashing pedestrians could see drivers hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence. More serious cases could go to court, where fines could reach £5,000.

Low spring sunlight can also cause glare. If it affects your driving, you could receive a £100 careless driving fine. If it leads to a collision, penalties could be much higher.

Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com, said: "Overall, while the spring means we'll see less snow and ice on the roads, there are things drivers should look out for this season to avoid committing a driving offence and receiving a potentially hefty fine.

"This can range from a fixed penalty fee under £100 to fines that exceed a grand, especially if the driving offence leads to a collision or someone being hurt.

"So whether you're setting off on a sunny day when you might experience glare while driving, or getting behind the wheel during spring showers when you might see puddles on the road, it's important to bear in mind these hazards."