Experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts warn drivers could still be penalised for dressing up their vehicle despite it not being illegal. They warn Christmas decorations could “pose a risk to others” if they detach from a vehicle or could “obstruct your view”.
Coloured lights may also break very strict regulations and could also “confuse road users” in some situations.
They said: “While it may look nice, decorating your car this Christmas can also lead to fines, invalidate your insurance and result in driving bans.
“Despite not being illegal, we recommend lights, reindeer antlers, ribbons and tinsel should all be avoided inside and outside of your vehicle this Christmas.
“One of the main risks is if any decorations obstruct your view.
READ MORE: Car owners spend more on their cars than their partners this Christmas
“According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, coloured lights that are not native to your vehicle should not be used and doing so can get you in trouble.
“If any decorations were also to detach from your car they could pose a risk to others.
“If this was to happen and cause an accident you could face a charge of ‘careless driving’ or ‘driving without reasonable consideration for other road users’ – which can lead to a court case and an unlimited fine and a driving ban depending on the situation.”
Other motoring experts have also previously warned of the dangers of decorating vehicles.
Zero Deposit Car Leasing, now the Hippo Motor Group, has previously said something as small as a car sticker could be considered a “modification”.
This runs the risk of driving up car insurance premiums even if drivers are not in an accident.
They added: “Drivers who want to get into the spirit of the season on their daily commutes, by transforming their car into Rudolph the Red Nose Renault, should probably think again if they want to avoid having a blue Christmas this year.
“Bah humbug, indeed.”
All Car Leasing also raised warnings over the risks associated with Christmas lights on vehicles.
They said: “You may be wondering why it is that people receive fines or points for dressing up their cars with lights at Christmas.
“It’s not because the police are being grinches, but because it’s actually illegal and breaks a law called ‘The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations act’.”
They added: “The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations act states that it’s illegal to have many different coloured lights on the front and rear of the car, as being in conjunction with your standard rear and headlights can confuse other drivers.
“You couldn’t even put fairy lights like you would on your tree on either.
“You could also get into quite a bit of trouble if you were to put lights on similar to that of an emergency vehicle, as you could be seen to be impersonating an ambulance or police car.”
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