![]() If you are caught in a vehicle while above the legal limit, you could face a maximum fine of £2,500. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a motorist can be found guilty if they are “in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit”. If caught sleeping whilst you’re over the alcohol limit, even with the engine switched off, you could be prosecuted for being “drunk in charge of a motor vehicle.” Sleeping in Your Car While DrunkĪfter a Christmas party, you may be tempted to have a nap in your car and whilst it’s not breaking the law to sleep in your car, it is illegal to be under the influence in your car. If this was to happen you could face a charge of ‘ careless driving’ and land a fixed £100 penalty and three points on your licence as well as in more serious cases, nine points on your licence and a £5,000 fine – or you may be disqualified from driving altogether. ![]() If any decorations were also to detach from your car, they could pose a risk to others on the road. One of the main risks is if any decorations obstruct your view which could lead to three points on your licence and up to £1,000 in fines. Whilst Christmas car decorations may add some festive cheer, lights, reindeer antlers, ribbons and tinsel should all be avoided on the inside and outside of your vehicle. The penalties can be severe, with a fine of up to £5,000, nine points on your licence and even a driving ban in the most serious of circumstances. If your festive tunes obstruct you from hearing potential hazards, this could put others at risk, and you could land a ‘driving without due care and attention’ or ‘dangerous driving’ charge. Rule 148 of The Highway Code states to "avoid distractions when driving such as loud music." We all like to sing along to Christmas songs during the festive period but you should be careful not to play your music too loud whilst driving. Listening to Loud Christmas Music Whilst Driving Make sure your outfit doesn’t impact your driving ability and if it does, take your outfit to the venue and then get changed there. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that “you should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner” so driving in any piece of clothing that impairs your vision or prevents you from using the cars controls could be classed as driving without due care and attention.įailure to have proper control of your vehicle could lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine, three penalty points on your licence and in more serious cases you could receive a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification. The festive period brings out fun items of clothing such as Santa outfits, sparkly clothing or jumpers with flashing lights. READ MORE: Popular Somerset dairy company to shut after 94 years amid ‘falling customer numbers’ Festive Clothing If you’re in doubt, ask a professional to help assist you to safely tie the tree down. If your tree’s distribution, weight, position or the way it is secured on the car is unsuitable then it can also lead to your vehicle being classed as being in a dangerous condition under the Road Traffic Act 1988.Īny drivers found to be in breach of the rules could face three points in their licence or a fine of up to £2,500 so ensure your tree is properly fitted before driving home. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects are secured safely.” Rule 98 of The Highway Code states “you must secure your load and it must not stick out dangerously. While it’s not illegal to transport a Christmas tree using your car, there are precautions which must be taken to avoid overloading your vehicle. Here are little known laws that every lover of all things Christmas needs to know. READ MORE: Met Office forecast snow in Somerset this weekendĭriving while wearing festive clothing, decorating your car in the festive spirit or even listening to Christmas music too loud while driving could also land you in hot water. There are also other laws which could see motorists having a bah humbug Christmas. Those caught breaching the rule could face three points on their licence or a fine of up to £2,500. ![]() And if your tree’s distribution, weight, position or the way it is secured on the car is unsuitable, it can also lead to your vehicle being classed as being in a dangerous condition under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The Highway Code states - under rule 98 - that loads on vehicles must be secured and it must not ‘stick out dangerously’. Those attaching the festive fir to their car could end up with a unwanted bill if they don’t do so correctly. If you’re heading out this weekend to pick up your Christmas tree, beware - doing so could land you with a fine of £2,500.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |