Motor experts are warning drivers across the United Kingdom about potential fines and points on their licence for singing or dancing wildly while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
When doing so, motorists could find themselves accused to 'driving without due care and attention' or even 'dangerous driving' - leading to hefty penalties from law enforcement.
If proven to be found driving in an unsafe manner, Britons could in fact face fines up to £5,000, while the most unlucky of motorists may even receive nine penalty points for their misfortune.
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The Express reports that Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, warned drivers to remain safe to avoid the costly fine, highlighting how sporting events like the Premier League or the Six Nations could be particularly dangerous if there are passionate reactions.
Mr Conway said: “If what’s happening at stadiums around the country causes you to get animated while behind the wheel then you're at risk of being distracted from the job at hand – which is keeping your eyes on the road.
"And if there is evidence, which could come from either a police officer witnessing your actions or dashcam footage, that you were punching the air with wild abandon or screaming out in anger prior to an accident, you could ultimately be prosecuted for dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention.”
The consequences for the driver could be even worse if a lack of care leads to a serious injury or fatality. The volume of the radio or music could also be an issue, as it can be considered illegal if it is 'disturbing the peace' on a regular basis.
Generally, a police officer will warn a driver and ask them to turn down a stereo. Ignoring the advice could lead to the vehicle being seized because it could be classed as 'causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public'.
Custom exhausts and noisy engines can also incur the wrath of authorities under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Being distracted by the radio or music means police can pull motorists over for careless driving, which typically comes with a £100 fine and three penalty points.
This legislation also applies to drivers eating, drinking and putting makeup on while on the road. Mr Conway added: “Any distraction while you’re driving is obviously a bad idea. Being a responsible motorist means being aware of your surroundings and other road users at all times.
“It's also worth remembering that if your radio is too loud you might not be able to hear warning sounds such as emergency services’ sirens, pedestrian crossing alerts and even beeping horns that warn of danger ahead.”
It comes as the Government is looking to increase fines for noise pollution after the trial of new 'noise cameras'. The Department for Transport completed the two-month trial of noise cameras within four UK cities - Bradford, Bristol, Great Yarmouth and Birmingham.
It involved trialling the technology on some of Britain’s noisiest streets to help stop rowdy motorists revving their engines unnecessarily or using illegal exhausts. The technology - backed by £300,000 worth of funding - can automatically detect when vehicles are breaking legal noise requirements, helping provide police and local authorities with the tools and evidence to take action against drivers who flout noise laws.
Police have existing powers, including the ability to issue fines, but currently have trouble gathering evidence.
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