Common Christmas mistake could see drivers issued a £2,500 fine
Drivers may be issued heavy fines and breach the Highway Code for adding Christmas decorating to their cars this winter.
Motorists could be slapped with a hefty £2,500 fine ahead of Christmas for making a simple festive mistake, according to experts.
Getting into the winter spirit and decorating a vehicle could land drivers in trouble with the holiday vibe likely to backfire.
Road users may wish to stick a range of items on their car from reindeer ears, garlands, wreaths and even simple ornaments.
But experts at Compare the Market warn installing decorations and Christmas lights on a car could “obstruct” motorists' view of the road which could breach the Highway Code.
They said: “Some drivers may be tempted to give their car a Christmas makeover, but doing so could get them in a lot of trouble.
“Although things like Christmas decorations and lights look pretty, they can obstruct a driver’s view of the road.
“Drivers found to be using a vehicle in a dangerous condition like this may be charged with a £2,500 fine, discretionary disqualification and three penalty points.”
Alongside blocking vision of the road, other experts have warned motorists were on the verge of breaking a range of serious driving rules.
Ollie Green, MOT specialist and owner of Collect Service Go has warned drivers against adding tinsel to a number plate and placing lights on the windscreen.
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He warned adding accessories on a number plate could cause an obscured or partially visible registration plate which is against the rules.
If caught, drivers could be issued a massive £1,000 fine and are likely to fail an MOT test.
Meanwhile, motorists could be in breach of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 by placing fairy lights over their car.
This rule bans road users from emitting lights of unconventional colours from their vehicles at all times.
Ollie also stressed that changing a car’s horn to a festive chime or the sound of Santa's sleigh will also have dramatic consequences at an MOT test.
The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 makes clear horns must sound ordinary to pass the annual exam.
Ollie commented: “During the Christmas season, decorating a car with festive decorations and lights may be a fun and festive way to spread cheer.
“However, decorations can impact a car's safety and compliance, possibly resulting in a failed MOT test.
"To avoid the chances of not being able to drive home for Christmas like the other seven million Brits who fail their MOT each year…drivers should follow the below advice on how not to decorate their car.”