Classic car owners must be aware of some lesser-known Highway Code laws if they wish to avoid hefty fines. With that in mind, motoring experts at Comparethemarket have shared several offences that could land drivers of classic cars in hot water with the police.
Using the car’s original tyres
Classic car owners could be charged with driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition if they decide to keep the car’s original tyres.
According to the experts, this offence comes with a penalty of up to £2,500 and three points on the licence.
They said: “Due to age, the original tyres on a classic car may not comply with modern safety standards, which demand that all car tyres have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
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“Older tyres are also more likely to have defects, or be more worn, which can make them unsafe.”
Using the car when some parts are not working properly
This offence again falls in the ‘driving in dangerous condition category’ and could see motorists fined £2,500 and given three penalty points.
Classic car owners are well-known for taking great care of their pride and joys, however, many parts could suffer damage with age. And, that damage can then lead to a vehicle being unsafe to drive.
Engine idling at classic car shows
The experts stressed that leaving the engine running while attending a classic car show breaks rule 123 of the Highway Code.
Motorists who choose to do that could face a fine between £20 and £80.
The experts said: “Car shows are a staple for classic car owners and enthusiasts, but drivers must make sure to shut down the engine when their car is stationary.
“If they leave their vehicle unattended (even standing beside it) with the engine still running, they could earn a fine of £20 to £40. However, in some councils, drivers could receive an £80 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for this offence.”
However, children under three years old are not legally allowed to be carried inside those vehicles, and children over the age of three must sit in the back.
Anyone who breaks those rules could face a penalty of £500. Despite all the doom and gloom, there is some good news for classic car owners. Some classic cars may be exempt from MOTs and paying road tax.
Julie Daniels, a car insurance expert at Comparethemarket, said: “Classic car owners don’t need to get an MOT if their vehicle was built or first registered over 40 years ago, and no substantial changes have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years.
“They are also exempt from paying road tax if their vehicle was built before January 1982.”
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