Drivers risk massive £5,000 fine for getting into festive spirit in their car this Christmas
DRIVERS have been warned that they risk a £5,000 fine for getting into the festive spirit this Christmas.
A little-known road law could see you slapped with a penalty if you are too merry behind the wheel.
Experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explained that belting out your favourite Christmas tunes could actually land you in hot water.
Whether they be rowdy pop hits or solemn carols, you could still end up on the wrong side of the rulebook.
This is because the Highway Code could class playing music too loudly as a distraction to other drivers.
If you crank the volume up too high, it could see you handed a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three points on your licence.
But, if your music is so loud that it is judged to be putting others at risk by preventing them from hearing potential hazards, you could find yourself shelling out much more.
You could be collared for driving without due care and attention or even dangerous driving, which can see fines of up to £5,000 and a driving ban handed out.
A spokesperson for Nationwide said: “We all like to sing along to Christmas songs during the festive period, but you should be careful as doing so can land you fines up to £5,000.”
However, in response to the warning, one police force assured motorists that they would likely only go after “repeat offenders” on this front.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police told The Express: “At present legislation only provides the local authority with the power to take action against loud car stereos if the car is on private land or parked on the street.
“If there is a car/a group of cars that is parked up constantly on your street and the stereos are being played very loud then you need to make a complaint to your local authority.”
It comes after the 10 professions set to see the largest increases in car insurance costs next year were revealed.
Meanwhile, one man claims to have escaped the cost of living crisis by living in a converted ex-military truck.