DRIVERS have been urgently warned not to make a common mistake – that could land them with a hefty £200 fine and 3 licence points.
With Halloween fast approaching, many motorists may be tempted to add spooky decorations to their cars.
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But kitting out your car for Halloween could dangerously obstruct your view, and put you at risk of penalties.
So drivers would be best advised to keep the festive trinkets at home in the eight-day period between now and October 31.
Driving expert Tim Rodie said: “Decorations such as cobwebs or bunting can obstruct the view of the driver and put yourself and other road users at risk.
“You risk being fined up to £200 and could get three points added to your licence.
“If for any reason your decorations were to obstruct your registration plate, you could find yourself receiving a fine stretching into the thousands.
“It really is best to keep the Halloween celebrations at home.”
Licence points are particularly damaging for those to have recently passed their driving test.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group warned of even greater fines.
They said: “It’s great to see people getting into the Halloween spirit, but drivers need to be aware that certain decorations can pose serious risks on the road.
“Even something as simple as spider web decorations on the dashboard or stickers on the rear windscreen could obstruct your view, leading to fines of up to £1,000.”
They also elaborated on a number of dangers to consider when it comes to driving during Halloween .
For example, motorists might be tempted to snap a quick picture of other drivers’ decorations, but this can lead to distraction.
And, if caught, the driver could face a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
The UK law defines “careless driving” as “when your driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver” and includes “driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.”
Therefore, adding decorations to your car that might distract others – like a scary mask on the passenger seat – could also be deemed an offence.
