There are a number of road rules that Brits ought to keep in mind this festive season.
Millions of people up and down the country are set to literally 'drive home for Christmas', an annual occurrence across the nation.
However, according to the UK's most popular online used car seller, cinch, has revealed the costly offences that could catch you out if you don't prepare.
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The fines up for grabs could result in you forking out up to £17,500 if you're found guilty of any of these things - and the last thing anyone wants is a criminal record.
Listening to music too loudly
We're all guilty of banging some Christmas tunes while we're making our way home to get in the right mood, but it turns out that this could leave you slapped with a fine.
The motoring editor of cinch, Sam Sheehan, says (via The Daily Star): “There’s nothing wrong with driving to music as long as you can still hear hazards like horns and sirens if you need to.”
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If you're caught driving with a lack of care, you could be fined £100 and given three points on your license, though this can go up to £5,000 and prosecution if you end up causing an accident resulting in injury or death - so best keep your attention on the road.
Letting Christmas outfits get in the way of your driving
If you're donning a Santa hat, or better, a Santa costume at the wheel, that's alright - as long as you don't let it get in the way of your driving.
Fines up to £5,000 will go to those who let their fit 'interfere with your ability to control your vehicle’ - with a similar rule also applying for spooky season as well.
Sheehan adds that no-one will drive in an inflatable costume, but you need to be really careful when you're at the wheel, such as costume shoes, hats, masks or fake beard that could ruin your vision.
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Transporting a Christmas tree dangerously
Getting the tree home to decorate and put presents under is one of the important parts of Christmas, but there are a few things you'll want to remember when you're shoving it into your car to take back:
- Weight limits of your vehicle
- Any sharp edges or heavy parts of your tree (netting is recommended)
- Securely attach it if you're putting it on top of the car to avoid it flying away
- Keep your boot closed if it's in the car
If you don't follow these guidelines, you could get three points on your driving license and a £100 fine, which could rise to £5,000 and a disqualification from driving if it's serious.
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The Highway Code further states: “As a driver, you must secure your load, and it must not stick out dangerously.”
Not de-icing your car enough
De-icing your car first thing in the morning can be a massive headache, but it's important that you don't take any shortcuts, such as 'portholing'.
This is when motorists only clear enough to see out of a small bit of the window, The Daily Star says, but it could cost you anywhere from £60 to £2,500 depending on your vehicle, as well as three points on your license.
“Make sure all car windows are entirely clear of frost, ice and snow before you set off – that includes each side window and your rear window," Sheehan advises, adding to 'clear snow from the roof' as well.
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Parking in an unsafe area
Streets are going to fill up over the Christmas period as everyone rushes to get home, but it's important to park properly and off the road.
That is unless you want a £100 fine - with some of the places to avoid according to the Highway Code being:
- A place preventing access for Emergency Services
- Entrance to a property
- On a bend
- Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction if it's not an authorised parking space
- Opposite a traffic island or another parked vehicle
- Near a school entrance
- Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
- Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users
- Where you may obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities
- Near a public transport stop or taxi rank
- Where you may forcibly redirect traffic to a tram lane
- On an approach to a level/tram crossing
Joshua Nair