You could be FINED £5,000 for belting out Christmas songs in the car 🎄
Uh oh...
Whether you can hold a tune or you're completely tone deaf, you've probably at some point or another had a singing session in the car. Stuck in traffic? Get those vocal cords warmed up. Waiting to get out of a car park? Warble to your heart's content. ESPECIALLY at Christmas. What are you supposed to do when 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' comes on the radio except belt out 'FEEEEED THE WOOOOORLD!'?
However - those who love to give solo car concerts could find themselves in hot water, as experts have now warned that, if you're singing loudly in your car, you could be fined as much as £5,000.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have warned drivers of five common motoring fines to avoid this Christmas.
Common motoring fines to avoid this Christmas:
1) Singing and dancing to loud music whilst driving
According to the Highway Code, playing your music too loud could be classed as a distraction, leaving you with up to nine points on your license and a £100 fine.
In more severe cases, if your music was loud enough to obstruct you from hearing potential hazards, this could put others at risk, and you could be liable for 'driving without due care and attention' or 'dangerous driving' charges. These serious charges can lead to driving bans and up to £5,000 in fines from your Local Authority.
2) Incorrectly attaching a Christmas tree to your roof
Although there are no specific rules in the Highway Code regarding transporting Christmas trees via your car, there are related rules regarding overloading your vehicles. These can lead to a £300 fine, up to three points and even damage to your vehicle.
If your tree's distribution, weight, position, or how it is secured on the car is unsuitable, your vehicle can also be classified as dangerous under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
3) Driving with snow on your roof and windscreen
Snow is a significant driver hazard. As well as causing delays and unsafe conditions it can also dent your wallet. Only clearing ice or snow from part of your windscreen can lead to up to three points on your licence and a £2,500 fine. By law, every glass panel must be visible and allow a clear view of the road from all angles before you set off.
Although it's not illegal to drive with snow on your roof, it could put others or yourself at risk. If loose snow were to fall, it could obstruct your vision or fall onto the car behind and impact its ability to see. You could then be charged with 'driving without due consideration' or 'using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition'.
4) Leaving your car running while defrosting the windscreen
According to the Road Traffic Act 1998, it is illegal to leave your engine on while you clear away snow and ice from outside your vehicle on a public road. Doing so can also result in an initial £20 fine. Always make sure to turn your vehicle off before exiting. Read more de-icing tips here.
5) Snow or ice blocking your number plate
If you do not clear any ice or snow obscuring your front and rear number plate, you could receive a fine of up to £1,000 from Local Authorities. The Law states that all number plates must be clearly visible. If they are obstructed, speed cameras or police checks cannot pick up your car.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, commented: “Road accidents are more common around the winter period due a range of factors, such as bad weather conditions, dark nights and the density of traffic. It is important motorists follow the advice given and avoid contributing to these statistics due to irresponsible driving and festive modifications this Christmas.”
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