Drivers have been warned of five common driving mistakes which could see them hit with a £5,000 fine and driving ban this Halloween.
From fancy dress costumes to spooky decorations, motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk are cautioning UK drivers of potential hazards which could affect their driving this Halloween.
When behind the wheel, drivers must ensure that they have complete control of their vehicle, which includes having a clear view of the road ahead and having no distractions.
Under UK law, motorists must drive with due care and caution to keep themselves and other road users safe.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states drivers must ensure their clothing and footwear don’t prevent them from correctly using controls.
If a Halloween costume is found to be the cause of bad driving, motorists could be summoned to court and charged under the careless driving offence, which carries a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a driving ban.
Other Halloween mistakes include dressing up as law enforcement and hanging decorations from the front-view mirror.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “When behind the wheel, it is important drivers have full control and concentration to ensure the safety of themselves and other road users.
“Lots of people enjoy getting into the spirit of Halloween by dressing up and decorating, but this can have a serious impact on driving abilities.
“Under the Highway Code, those celebrating must make sure their clothing and footwear don’t prevent them from efficiently driving.
“To avoid risking a hefty fine, drivers should be extremely cautious and avoid getting in the spooky spirit until safely parked.”
LeaseCar.uk’s five Halloweeen driving mistakes:
- Hanging Halloween decorations
Under the 1986 Road Vehicles Regulations law it is illegal to drive if there is not a full view of the road and traffic ahead. Motorists should avoid hanging spooky decorations from their rearview mirror else risk a £1000 fine, a discretionary disqualification and three points on their licence.
- Wearing inappropriate footwear
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states drivers “should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls in any manner.” Drivers should not wear any costumes that involve inappropriate footwear, like high heels or chunky boots, or else risk hefty fines and even driving bans.
- Wearing bulky clothes that interfere with breaks
Before setting off, drivers should consider how outfits may prevent quick reactions to potential hazards. For instance, gloves could make the grip significantly looser on the steering wheel, or a long dress could get caught in the pedals. This is punishable under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, where fines could reach up to £5000.
- Limiting eyesight
Spooky masks and coloured contact lenses may limit eyesight which could result in a charge for ‘failure to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead’ and a £1,000 fine or three points on the licence.
- Dressing as a Police Officer
It is illegal to publicly dress up as a police officer, or any member of law enforcement. Drivers who do so may be hit with a hefty fine or even jail time under the Police Act 1996. This includes
using fake blue lights or sirens on vehicles – even if it is a Halloween prank.
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