Christmas lights are brightening up every journey, the letters have been sent to Santa and the classics are playing on the radio.
Although the weather outside might be frightful (check out our winter car care tips to find out how to deal with this), there are many other things you should watch out for over the festive season.
We don’t mean to come off as a Grinch but we all know how expensive Christmas can be and the last thing you need on top of your shopping is a nasty surprise from the police or DVLA.
We’re going to run through some unexpected driving actions that could lead to penalties and fines.
Adding Christmas decorations to your car
you may love the idea of attaching some reindeer antlers to the top of your car and helping the big man with his deliveries, be aware that decorations including ribbons, lights, tinsel and accessories can obstruct your view and pose a risk to others. While these decorations are not technically illegal, anything that obstructs your windscreen view could lead to 3 points and a £1,000 fine.
If you do decide to risk putting up decorations on your car and they detach while you’re driving, this can pose a risk to others. If there is an accident, you could face a court case, an unlimited fine and potentially even a driving ban. Even a small Christmas sticker can be classed as a modification, which can potentially increase your premium.
Colourful lights
We all know Coldplay had a song about Christmas Lights, but Chris Martin didn’t sing about them being on display in or on a car. As dazzling as this would look, any kind of colourful lights can confuse other road users. In fact, the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 states that coloured lights not native to your vehicle should not be used.
If you’re going for a blue Christmas and were considering adding those lights to your car, you could be seen as impersonating an ambulance, police car or other emergency vehicle. An offence that has a potential fine of £50.
The UK government website states: ‘Vehicles can only be fitted with flashing blue lights and audible warning devices such as sirens if they are emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles are defined in the regulations to include vehicles used for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes.’
Attaching a Christmas tree to your vehicle
While there’s nothing wrong with picking up and transferring your real Christmas tree in your car, you must make sure that it’s attached to a vehicle properly. If it isn’t and falls off, causing disruption and danger to you and other road users, you could potentially receive three points on your licence and a £300 fine.
Overloading can also cause significant damage to your car, leaving you with an unexpected and potentially expensive repair bill. If you are heading to a Christmas tree market and need a larger vehicle to fit everything in, you could borrow a friend or relative’s car using temporary car insurance or if you know someone with a van, take out some temporary van insurance to get the tree home with no concerns.
Driving with snow on your roof or windscreen
We may be dreaming of a White Christmas but we don’t want our vehicles covered in snow while trying to get around, especially as we’re likely to already be experiencing delays due to the treacherous conditions.
It may not be illegal to drive with snow on your roof but if it falls and blocks your view or obstructs the cars behind you, you could be found guilty of driving without due care and attention or using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. These are easily avoidable offences with penalties ranging from three to nine points.
To avoid these penalties, you should take some time to clear your car of snow before setting off. All glass panels on the vehicle must be visible and you should remove any snow or ice from the front and rear number plates. Both plates must be clearly visible at all times. If snow or ice prevents speed cameras or police checks from identifying your vehicle, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Putting on your party outfit
Although it’s party season and time to find your fanciest outfit (or most fantastic fancy dress costume ), Rule 97 of The Highway Code states your ‘clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner’.
If your heels or boots make stepping on the gas difficult, it might be worth considering driving in alternative footwear – especially as you could potentially end up being charged for driving without due care and attention and getting three to nine points on your licence. The same applies to your clothing, anything restrictive could affect the way you drive and receive a similar penalty.
Singing and dancing to Christmas music
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘Mistletoe and Wine’, but before you practise your best Cliff swing in the car, think about how dangerous this could be.
Singing loudly and dancing while driving could lead to you losing concentration and control of your vehicle, while music being played too loud can prevent you from hearing any potential hazards.
Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that ‘Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as:
- Loud music (this may mask other sounds).
- Trying to read maps.
- Starting or adjusting any music or radio.
- Arguing with your passengers or other road users.
- Eating and drinking.
- Smoking.’
The penalties for careless and inconsiderate driving include an unlimited fine, discretionary disqualification and three to nine points on your licence.
Be prepared this Christmas
When it comes to Christmas driving, it’s important to plan ahead and avoid driving irresponsibly. Follow the rules of the road and bear all of the above in mind to keep safe, but don’t stop that from letting you have a ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’!
Remember, you can take out Tempcover’s temporary car insurance at any time over the festive period if you want to share a long drive, borrow a bigger vehicle or are the designated driver taking everyone home after a big night out.
