Brits risk £5k fine if they disobey October driving rule that many motorists have no clue about
British drivers need to be cautious of falling foul of a lesser known road law this month, as it could see them landed with a hefty £5,000 fine.
By now, we're all aware of little known driving laws which could see you facing infuriating fines for things you wouldn't even think about checking
As Halloween approaches, you may find yourself tempted by the thought of driving around in your costume, with the goal of startling passers by or other drivers at the traffic lights.
Advert
However, this prank could wind up being a very costly one, with drivers caught by the police risking a fine of up to £5,000.
This may sound a little bizarre at first, 'what's the harm in driving while wearing fancy dress' you may ask? Well, it all comes down to whether or not your vision is obstructed.
If you dust off your old copy of the Highway Code and flip to number 94, you'll find a rule stating that you mustn't wear anything which could 'restrict your vision'. The guide references items such as visors or tinted sunglasses, however, this could also be applied to your zombie facial prosthetics, elaborate headpiece or plain old scream mask may be critical to your costume but are not integral to driving - so make sure to keep them off.
An inappropriate choice in headgear isn't the only thing which could land you in trouble either, with rule 97 stating that you shouldn't wear clothing or footwear which 'prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.
Which means your pirate boots or grim reaper robe will have to come off before you get behind the wheel.
What's the punishment for breaking these driving laws?
"Halloween may inspire some fun, but while you're out enjoying the festivities in costume, don't forget to prioritise road safety. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the road," warned Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director & Motoring Expert at GM Direct Hire (via The Sun).
"If you're pulled over, expect to face the consequences - in some cases, that can include steep fines."
According to Insurance Edge, failure to have a clear view of the road while driving could lead to a maximum of 11 penalty points and a fine of up to £5,000. Which is a huge price to pay for a costume.
When it comes to driving in incorrect shoes or not being able to put your seatbelt on, both of these could see you slapped with a £100 fine and potentially even points.
Don't say we didn't warn you.
Brenna Cooper