Drivers have been warned that they could face a hefty fine if they do not have the correct name written on their licence.
With wedding season now here and summer holidays on the horizon, it's an expensive time of year for many and the last thing anyone needs is to be slapped by a fine.
Thankfully this simple error can be avoided. So with this in mind, the car insurance team at Compare the Market has put together a list of driving do’s and don’ts to help newlyweds and wedding guests avoid hefty fines and penalties on the big day.
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1. Drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if their outfit or shoes restrict their control of the car
Highway Code: Rule 97
Drivers should be careful of wearing any restrictive wedding outfit attire while heading to the venue. If high heels, long dresses, or tight-fitting clothing prevent the driver from using the vehicle’s controls in the correct manner, they could face fines of £1,000, plus 3 penalty points on their licence.
2. Not wearing a seatbelt could land drivers with a fine of £500
Highway Code: Rule 99
The Highway Code states that every single person in the car needs to be wearing a seatbelt, so while a bride might be tempted to forgo a seatbelt to protect a particularly bulky dress, or the wedding party all squeeze into a car without buckling up, they could be at risk of a £500 fine.
3. Using a horn in celebration could result in a fine of up to £1,000
Highway Code: Rule 112
The Highway Code states that your horn can only be used while the vehicle is moving, and then only to warn other road users of a driver’s presence, so if drivers are found to be honking their horn without good reason, even in celebration of the newlyweds, they may find themselves with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £30 - which could rise to as much as £1,000 if disputed.
4. Drivers are warned that wedding decorations on cars could lead to fines of £2,500
Highway Code: Rule 30
Although many weddings see vehicles decorated with signs, cans, and bunting, doing so could lead to a fine. If the decorations obscure the driver’s view of the road, they could be looking at a fine of £1,000, plus 3 penalty points, and if they are deemed to be driving the vehicle in a dangerous condition, the fine given could be up to £2,500.
5. Driving tired could lead to a prison sentence and driving ban for drivers
Highway Code: Rule 91
Driving when tired greatly increases the risk of accidents so motorists should avoid getting behind the wheel if they don’t feel fit to drive. On top of this, if they are deemed to be driving dangerously, drivers could face up to 2 year’s imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban.
6. Drinking and driving this wedding season could land drivers with an unlimited fine
Although weddings are an occasion for a celebratory drink, under no circumstances should drivers get behind the wheel if they’re over the legal limit. If caught drink driving, drivers could face up to 6 month’s imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least 1 year. They could also face an increase in car insurance costs, and have trouble travelling abroad.
7. Newlyweds could be fined £1,000 for not updating their licence with their new surname
Not all newlyweds will change their name, but those that do adopt their partner’s surname might have to update their driving licence to reflect this. If drivers take their partner’s name just in social situations, without legally changing it, then there is no obligation to update their driving licence. However, if a name is changed by deed poll, then this is a legal change and their driving licence must also reflect this. Driving with an invalid licence could see drivers facing a fine of up to £1,000.
Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Compare the Market advises the following, “Whether you’re the one getting married, or if you’re watching two of your loved ones tie the knot, a wedding is such a special occasion to be celebrated. However, even amongst all the excitement, it’s incredibly important that drivers remain vigilant behind the wheel.
Make sure your outfit and footwear don’t affect your control of the car, and if needed, change into your fancy attire when you reach the venue. Even if you’re only travelling a short distance to the wedding, ensure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt . Above all, don’t get behind the wheel if you’re tired, and especially not if you’re under the influence of alcohol, to ensure you keep yourself and others safe on the roads.”
7 summer driving laws motorists must follow
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