26 December 2023 , 19:17
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Drivers leaning into the festive spirit are warned over a viral TikTok car decoration trend that could land them with huge fines - or even invalidate their insurance.
While decorating is an important part of the Christmas season, experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have issued a warning it could lead to some troubles. In one viral video, with over 54K views, a girl decorates the spare tyre on the back of her Mercedes G-Wagon as a Christmas wreath by using tinsel and LED lights.
One TikTok user commented on the video that she would "love love" to do this to her, while another replied that they're "doing this today." However, this could be breaking the rules as according to the Highway Code, nothing should obstruct your view while driving a vehicle.
Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said: "While it may seem like a minor alteration to your vehicle, decorating your car ahead of Christmas could lead to hefty fines and totally invalidate your insurance. Despite not outright being illegal, we recommend lights, reindeer antlers, ribbons and tinsel should all be avoided inside and outside of your vehicle this Christmas. “
He added: "Decorations shouldn’t be in your way, as it affecting your view out of the windscreen can lead to three points and up to £1,000 in fines."
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Don't take inspiration from this (NurPhoto via Getty Images)Invalid insurance could see people land with fines and their cars repossessed by the police, making it more difficult to get insurance next time around. If you get into an accident, invalid insurance will make it harder for cars to be repaired.
People are also being warned of a loophole in the Highway code that is set to frustrate homeowners who find cars blocking their driveway. It's incredibly frustrating to come home and find a car blocking your driveway, whether it belongs to a neighbour or a complete stranger.
And while all you want is for it to be moved so you can park safely, due to a loophole in the Highway Code, there isn't much you can do. The driving guidelines were updated at the start of last year with several key changes, mainly focusing on the "hierarchy of road users" - giving priority to pedestrians and placing more responsibility on larger vehicles to ensure safety on the roads.
Rules 239 to 252 of the Highway Code deal with parking, and Rule 243 advises drivers not to stop or park "in front of an entrance to a property". Regrettably, there is no criminal law to penalise motorists who park their car on someone else's property and so the options are limited in terms of forcing them to move the vehicle.