Blasting Christmas music could land drivers with hefty fine as warning issued

December is now here and with Christmas just weeks away, you may now be heading out for their Christmas shopping blasting their favourite festive songs along the way.

In addition to gifts, many will also be hanging their Christmas lights, putting up the tree and decorating their rooms.

But you may want to be careful when making those music-filled festive journeys or if you are decorating your car. These things can actually leave you with penalty points and a pretty hefty fine.

READ MORE: Shoppers 'delighted' as they spot Creme Eggs in stores months before Easter

So, what considerations do drivers need to make around Christmas? To answer this, the car insurance team at Comparethemarket has put together a list of driving rules motorists should keep in mind when decorating their vehicles at Christmas time.

Here's what you need to know...

1. Make sure decorations don't block windows, mirrors or number plates

Drivers may want to place stickers, lights - or more appropriately reindeer antlers - on their car however this could land them with fines of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence by obscuring the vision of the driver.

Decorations must also not obstruct the view of the vehicle’s number plate as if it does, drivers could be fined £1,000.

2. Decorate your tree - not your car

If lights of certain colours are visible from the outside of a vehicle, drivers are at risk of receiving a £50 non-endorsable Fixed Penalty Notice. This is because it is an offence to have a red light at the front of a vehicle, a white light at the rear -unless reversing - and green lights fitted to vehicles that aren’t medical practitioners.

3. Make sure your Christmas costume doesn't get in the way of your controls or seatbelt

Drivers have been warned that if they are driving in their costume such as a Santa suit, they need to ensure it will not affect their driving. as accessories that prevent drivers from using controls of the vehicle - such as plump Santa bellies, or pointy elf shoes - could lead to fines of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points if the charge was taken to court.

The experts add that "any costume that prevent a seatbelt being fastened properly could put a driver – or any passengers wearing costumes – at risk of receiving a £500 fine. It is therefore advised to remove any items of clothing that prevents or affects the usage of a seatbelt, in order to keep all road users safe."

4. Don’t let Christmas music be distracting

Although it’s tempting to blast music out loud in your car to get into the festive spirit, you need to ensure it does not distract you as it could be dangerous.

Comparethemarket add that Rule 148 of the Highway Code states "loud music should be avoided to allow for concentration, and drivers in violation of this rule could be deemed to be driving without due care and attention, and therefore faced with unlimited fines and up to nine penalty points."

This doesn't mean drivers can’t listen to festive music but they should ensure they are concentrating on the road at all times and that it's not up too loud.

In addition to this, using a hand-held device while driving can lead to a £200 fine and six penalty points.

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Comparethemarket says: “Christmas is a magical time of the year for many, making it easy to get into the festive spirit. But it’s important to continue to uphold the laws of the road, otherwise motorists are putting themselves and other road users at risk – as well as facing the risk of receiving unwanted fines and penalty points.

If you want to add decorations to your car this Christmas, there are plenty of safe ways to do it. Stickers can be placed on your vehicle doors, as long as they’re not blocking any windows or mirrors. You can also attach antlers or a Santa hat to your roof using door clips (but be sure they are very secure and are not at risk of being blown off). By following the rules outlined in the Highway Code, you’ll be able to enjoy the festive season safely, and in style.

5 offences to avoid this Christmas

Christmas offence	Penalty
Decorations (lights, stickers, snow frosting etc.) cannot block the view of the road ahead	£1,000 fine 3 penalty points
Decorations cannot block the vehicle’s number plates	£1,000 fine
Drivers need to be aware of any lights added to their vehicles. It is an offence to show a red light to the front of the vehicle and a white light to the rear unless reversing.	£50
Motorists need to be aware if they are wearing a Christmas costume while driving as clothing and footwear cannot prevent you from using the controls in a correct manner.	£100 on-the-spot fine and 3 penalty points If taken to court, a max fine of £5,000 and 9 penalty points, and a potential driving ban.
Being distracted by listening to Christmas music too loudly	Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification 3-9 penalty points

READ NEXT:

Glasgow house prices see biggest drop in more than two years

Marks and Spencer giving away free gin snow globes, light-up tins and Percy Pigs - how to get yours

Air fryer hype 'justified' as kitchen gadget three times cheaper to run than oven

Martin Lewis warns employees to check for 'X' on payslip as millions 'overpaying and due thousands'

Which? compares supermarket prices to get a 'luxury' Christmas shop for less