Warning issued to anyone with an England flag on their car that could lead to £2,500 fine
If you’re waving the flag of your country to support the Euros, don’t make this one car mistake which could cost you thousands.
Since 14 June when the games kicked off, fans have been clamouring to show off their national colours in every way possible.
Whether it’s bunting on your house, painted lawns or even sticking flags to your car, there is always something out there to satisfy even the most die-hard footy fan.
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However, what is the limit?
If you’re a driver in the UK, here’s your warning to steer clear of cluttering up your car as it could lead to a fine reaching up to £2,500.
With England facing Slovenia on Tuesday (25 June), it could be tempting to go above and beyond to show your support, even on the motorway.
But here’s the thing: a flag attached to a vehicle the wrong way could technically be an obstruction to the driver.
That means any officer who pulls you over could slap you with a fine of £300 for an unsecured load or send you off to court where it could reach up to £2,500.
But let’s be clear - the flag isn’t the offence in question, it’s if the flag could potentially come off and harm someone or their car.
According to the West Yorkshire Police, a flag as big as an A4 size piece of paper is fine to have attached, but 'the larger the flag the more potential for problems'.
Large flags also carry the risk that they could cover your licence plate, which could lead to a further fine, as Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, and police won’t be able to identify you.
So, if you’re heading out to find a flashy flag to don your car, make sure it’s the right size and is attached securely.
If you’re not sure what else to be mindful of, government guidance from 2010 said: “It is not a specific offence to fly a flag on a vehicle and the majority of vehicle flags currently on sale are legal, provided they are fitted to the vehicle in a sensible manner.
“However, it is worth noting the following points: flags which are so large that they obscure the driver’s view of traffic ahead of the vehicle may contravene Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
“Flags which are constructed or positioned in such a way that they can cause danger to pedestrians or other road users could contravene Regulations 53 or 100 of the above regulations.”
Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles Regulations also states: “Every motor vehicle shall be so designed and constructed that the driver thereof while controlling the vehicle can at all times have a full view of the road and traffic ahead of the motor vehicle.”
In the end, just don’t let it obstruct your view or others'.
Britt Jones