If you’re planning to drive to a Halloween fancy dress party this month, you could be in for a scare, a motoring expert has warned.
James Armstrong, CEO at temporary insurance company Veygo, says driving in a Halloween costume could breach the Highway Code. If caught, you could face up to a £5,000 fine and points on your licence.
James is urging motorists to consider how their outfit could impact their driving ability and restrict other drivers on the road. His advice is provided below.
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Restricting your movement
Before you set off, think about how your outfit and footwear might limit how you can move in your car and react quickly to hazards. For instance, gloves could make your grip significantly looser on the steering wheel, or a long skirt or dress could get caught in the pedals. Shoes such as high heels can limit your ankle movement, while chunky boots might get in the way of other pedals in your footwell.
If you’re caught breaking Rule 97 of the Highway Code, which states drivers must ensure their clothing and footwear don't prevent them from correctly using controls, you could be fined an initial £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving. But if the incident goes to court, you could face a £5,000 fine, nine points and a driving ban. To be safe, put your outfit in the boot and change into it when you get to the party.
Limiting your eyesight
Coloured contact lenses, tinted glasses and scary masks are popular at Halloween. But if you can't see the road properly, especially if driving at night, you could be endangering yourself and other road users.
According to Rule 92, drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres. Meanwhile, Rule 94 says that at night or in poor visibility, drivers shouldn't use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict their vision.
Therefore, wearing anything that limits your eyesight 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 your licence.
Spooking other drivers
You might be after the coveted “scariest costume” prize at the Halloween party you’re heading to, but other drivers might not be expecting to see someone covered in fake flood or face paint behind the wheel. And while it might be your goal to shake up a few of your closest friends, spooking another driver could be deemed distracting and against section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 as careless and inconsiderate driving.
We'd recommend keeping your scariest looks to a minimum unless you want to get a fright from the judge when they hand you an unlimited fine, a discretionary disqualification and up to nine points on your licence.
Slow down through residential areas
Halloween night will be busier than usual on the roads and pavements, especially in residential areas as trick-or-treaters head out to stock up on sweets. Drivers are recommended to slow down and be extra vigilant, paying extra attention to groups of children who may be distracted, and people dressed in black costumes that make them difficult to see in the dark.
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