- Motorists could face fines, penalty points and harsher punishments over the festive period for seemingly everyday motoring acts
- Drivers should avoid overloading a vehicle with a Christmas tree or presents, while decorating a car can be punishable under more than one motoring law
- Playing music too loudly while driving, or wearing a Santa's outfit, could also land motorists in trouble
As drivers embrace the holiday spirit, festive car traditions like decorating interiors, blasting seasonal tunes, and transporting Christmas trees could bring unwanted surprises – in the form of fines, penalty points, or even driving bans.
While these activities may seem harmless, at Trackdays, we are advising that you could fall foul of various driving laws including overloading vehicles or being distracted.
Failing to follow these rules could lead to fines starting at £50, climbing to £2,500, three points on your licence, or even a driving ban if deemed dangerous.
Pines can mean fines
For instance, it's estimated that up to 8 million Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year, meaning countless drivers are potentially flouting vehicle loading and towing rules.
That's because Rule 98 of the Highway Code states that a vehicle or trailer must not be overloaded, and not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Additionally, the load must be secured and not stick out dangerously, while there's also the issue of the Christmas tree possibly obstructing the view of the road. Fines can range from £50, spiralling up to a £2,500 fine, three penalty points and a driving ban if considered to be driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Driving home for Christmas … with the music down
Meanwhile, motorists getting into the Christmas spirit by playing a festive tune loudly could face trouble under Rule 148 of the Highway Code.
It says that safe driving and riding needs concentration, and this includes avoiding distractions such as loud music. If it's found to be a distraction, then the potential punishment is a £100 fine and three penalty points.
However, if it's seen as dangerous driving, a more serious offence, then guilty drivers risk an unlimited fine, a driving ban and even imprisonment.
Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, says: "It can be easy to forget everyday motoring laws in the excitement of Christmas, but we should remind drivers that these rules apply all year round."
"Being sensible when loading a Christmas tree or presents, while showing courtesy to other road users by not playing music too loudly, could mean avoiding an unwanted fine or penalty points at this time of year."
Tinsel spells trouble
Furthermore, motorists decorating a vehicle also need to think again, especially if the decorations obstruct the driver's view of the road or a decoration falls off. Once again, driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can lead to three penalty points, a driving ban and a fine of up to £2,500.
Coloured lights that are not native to the vehicle can also lead to trouble under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, while wearing a Christmas costume that limits control of the vehicle can be viewed as careless or dangerous driving.
Dan adds: "The best way to enjoy some festive motoring fun, without falling foul of the law, is with a driving experience on a race circuit, whether it's as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone else."
Don't forget to explore our Driving Experiences that we have available to book at UK wide venues, and also visit our Christmas Gift Guide pages to find great value experience day gifts for all to enjoy with Trackdays this festive season.
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