WITH Christmas rapidly approaching, Brits will soon dig out the decorations to spread the seasonal spirit.
But motorists who get carried away with festive celebrations in their car could find themselves in serious trouble.
Drivers adding Christmas decorations to their motors could end up breaching a number of road laws, leaving them at risk of hefty fines and even a road ban.
The biggest concern is anything that could potentially fall off your car and into the path of another motorist.
Tinsel, reindeer antlers, wreaths or santa hats stuck on the outside of your vehicle could pose a danger to other road users if they fly off while you're driving.
If police see something fall from your car, or worse something flies off and causes an accident, you could be charged with "driving without reasonable consideration for other road users", or careless driving.
This could see you slapped with an unlimited fine if the case goes to court, up to nine points on your licence and even be disqualified from driving.
Motorists adding decorations to their dashboard may also fall foul of road rules, as anything that obscures your view is considered a hazard.
The Road Traffic Act states that "no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot ... have a full view of the road and traffic ahead."
Obstructing your view through the windscreen could attract a maximum £1,000 fine and three points.
Finally, motorists should be careful when adding fairy lights to their motor.
Bright lights have the potential to confuse other road users, particularly if red, blue or green lights appear at the front of the car and white lights at the back.
Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, drivers aren't permitted to shine unusually coloured lights from their vehicles, other than the ones they were made with.
the road laws you need to know
Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart head of driver standards, said: “Whilst we all appreciate getting into the festive spirit and bringing a bit of colour into the drab winter evenings, anything that affects a drivers ability to view the road, affects concentration, or lights that may distract other road users from correctly identifying a vehicle should be avoided.
"Whilst a fine is the likely outcome the consequences could be much worse."
As the days get colder, drivers should also be aware of similar penalties for failing to clear ice and snow from their car.
Vehicles with a "porthole" view, or that cause snow to fall onto the road could attract fines.
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