Car insurance experts share some little-known ways motorists could incur fines this winter – from playing Christmas songs too loud to piling presents too high in the car.
The team from Tiger.co.uk are warning motorists of the small mistakes that could prove costly – and incurring fines is the last thing Brits need ahead of the Christmas period.
Festive cheer is in the air, but motorists are warned that too much excitement could land them in trouble. Playing music too loudly or wearing restrictive Christmas party outfits while driving are mistakes that could land motorists in hot water.
Parking issues could be another area that puts drivers in a spot of bother. In the Christmas rush, drivers have been urged to resist the temptation to park up illegally to run into a shop for those last-minute purchases – keeping an eye out for double and single yellow lines.
The motoring experts warn that even making mistakes like parking in the opposite direction to traffic flow could land motorists with fines.
Penalties for other mistakes like wearing inappropriate clothing behind the wheel could result in a £100 on-the-spot fine, escalating to as much as £5,000.
Managing Director and car insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, said: “With Christmas approaching, we are issuing a final warning to motorists to help them avoid making easy mistakes which could land them in trouble.
“Simple things such as wearing novelty 3D Christmas jumpers or festive costumes can hinder your ability to drive safely, resulting in fines.
“Other issues include overfilling your car with presents and blocking the view from the rear windscreen. While you may think it’s OK to drive like this for a short distance to drop off presents with loved ones, restricting your view can endanger yourself and other road users.
“We also ask drivers to remember parking laws and not get swept up in the Christmas panic. We hope these festive reminders will help keep the roads safe for everyone this winter.”
Here Are Four Ways Motorists Could End up With a Festive Fine:
2. Parking in the Opposite Direction to Traffic
Even if you are popping into a shop for five minutes to get those last-minute Christmas bits, following parking laws and regulations is essential. Rule 248 of the Highway Code states you must not park on the road at night against traffic flow unless it is a recognised parking space.
2. Listening to Loud Christmas Music
While it is not an offence to listen to music while driving, using a device to blast music loudly in the car can distract and impact your ability to navigate the roads safely. Although many of us are festive, keep Christmas music appropriate while driving. Anyone playing loud music from a device in the car may be deemed not to have proper control or not be moving with reasonable consideration of others.
3. Piling Presents in the Boot
Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 states all glass material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in conditions that do not obscure the driver’s vision. Because of this, you should ensure you refrain from piling presents too high in the boot this Christmas.
4. Wearing Restrictive Clothing
Novelty Christmas jumpers with lights and 3D elements or festive costumes could also land you in a spot of bother. Highway Code Rule 97 states that before setting off, you must check your clothing and footwear, which do not prevent you from correctly using the controls. Penalties for inappropriate clothing behind the wheel could be as much as a £100 on-the-spot fine plus points on your licence.