Drivers are being warned that they could be slapped with a hefty fine when visiting supermarkets for a simple mistake which they may be unaware of.
The vast majority of supermarkets around the UK have strict rules, with a maximum time limit and a ban on motorists parking there without visiting the shop.
Experts are now warning that drivers could fall foul of rules without knowing if they don't read vital signage before leaving their vehicle.
Motorists could see themselves fined more often if they continually break rules with the rise of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.
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Drivers could be slapped with hefty fines for simple mistakes at supermarket car parks
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Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said Britons could be slapped with a £100 fine if they park in a supermarket car park outside of the store's opening hours, even if it is not an impediment.
He said parking in an empty car park may seem "completely fine on the face of it" but could land motorists in hot water.
The expert added: "The car park is likely to be empty, with no one around, and it might be a convenient location for you to leave your vehicle as you head elsewhere. Where's the harm?
"But parking in a supermarket outside of its opening hours can actually lead to a fine of up to £100, and we've seen cases where people have been clobbered for leaving their car for a matter of minutes."
Drivers are advised to check signage around the car park before making a decision on whether to stay or not.
He acknowledged that not all supermarket car parks would fine drivers for staying after the store is closed, but added that it was an issue that was causing "real confusion".
Since these car parks are on private land, private enforcement companies have the ability to slap drivers with parking charge notices (PCNs), which can cost between £40 and £100.
Since many car parks use ANPR cameras, drivers may not know they have been fined until they receive a notice in the post days, weeks or even months later.
Conway added: "A supermarket car park is provided so that you can use the store in the most convenient manner possible.
"While it sounds harsh and punitive, it makes sense that car parking fines could be levied if the shop itself is closed."
He also highlighted that parking companies will not spare drivers from being fined if they are found to be using the incorrect parking bay.
If someone needs to visit the store very quickly, they may choose to park as close as they can so they can make a quick getaway, but this can land them in trouble.
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Children need to be under 12-years-old in parent and child baysPAIn the vast majority of cases, these parking bays will be reserved for people with disabilities or families with young children.
Motorists should also be aware that in some extreme cases, they could be banned from supermarket car parks if they continue to break the rules.
