Car fines to be aware of ahead of His Majesty’s Coronation

While spirits are likely to be high as those that plan to celebrate the Coronation gather, it’s important to stick to rules of the road to ensure the safety of all road users.

Dressing up, decorating your car, and playing loud music can cause distractions for motorists, some of which could lead to breaking the Highway Code. Drivers should familiarise themselves with potential driving offences and legal requirements when on the road, to avoid inadvertently putting themselves at risk of fines or penalty points if looking to celebrate the Coronation.

Whether you’re spending time with family, hosting a street party with your neighbours, or watching the event with friends at the pub, we’ve put together a list of rules and regulations that you may not be aware of, to ensure your Coronation weekend is nothing but a royal success.

1. Make sure decorations don’t obscure your view of the road

Highway Code: 30
Fine: Up to £2,500
Penalty points: 3

While it can be tempting to show off your patriotism with decorations such as stickers and flags, doing so on your car could actually incur a hefty fine. If your decorations obscure your view or distract you from driving, you could be violating rule 30 of the Highway Code and face a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points consequently.

Even worse, if you’re deemed to be using your vehicle in a dangerous condition due to your excessive decorations, you could receive a fine of up to £2,500.

2. Park correctly when visiting family or attending street parties

Fine: Up to £135

While parking is expected be a bit of a nightmare over the weekend, don’t be tempted to abandon your car on yellow lines, on pavements, or in front of someone’s driveway – even if you do have a party or gathering to get to.

A standard parking fine for violating rules like the above is £90, though if you pay within 14 days it reduces to £45. However, failure to pay within 28 days could increase the fine to £135.

3. Never drink and drive

Fine: Unlimited 
Penalty: 6 months imprisonment and 1 year driving ban
 
Whether it’s at the pub, in your garden, or at a party, many of us will be getting into the celebratory spirit with a drink or two. Of course, this goes without saying, but you must not get behind the wheel after you’ve had a drink.

Driving while intoxicated could lead to an unlimited fine, a driving ban of at least one year, and even six months imprisonment. A conviction for drink-driving will also significantly increase your car insurance, and you may have trouble travelling abroad.

Do not risk putting yourself and other road users in danger, and make sure you’ve got a safe way home if you plan on drinking over the weekend. This is also worth bearing in mind for the next day; if you’re still over the limit while driving in the morning, a bad hangover might be the least of your worries.

4. Don’t let your costume interfere with your view

Highway Code: 97
Fine: £1,000
Penalty points: 3

A royal occasion is always a great excuse for fun costumes and silly masks. But if you do find yourself driving dressed up as a member of the royal family, make sure your costume doesn’t block your view of the road or prevent you from using the controls correctly.

Failure to do so would be breaking rule 97 of the Highway Code, which would land you with a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence. It’s probably best to keep the masks, hats and other fun accessories for once you arrive at the celebrations.

5. Avoid leaving your engine idling at street parties

Highway Code: 123
Fine: Up to £80

Sometimes your portable speakers might not seem loud enough, or perhaps your sound system may not reach all the way outside. Even if this is the case, don’t be tempted to run your engine just to provide the music for the street party.

According to rule 123 of the Highway Code, you must never leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, or leave an engine running unnecessarily if the vehicle is stationary on a public road.

Some local authorities charge £20 for emission offences and stationary idling, and there’s even a potential for this to increase to £80.

6. Avoid using your horn in celebration

Highway Code: 112
Fine: Up to £1,000

It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of things, but honking your horn for a moment of fun can actually lead to a hefty fine.

Rule 112 of the Highway Code says that a driver should never use their horn except when moving, and only then to alert other drivers to their presence.

If you’re found to be honking your horn without good reason, even in celebration, you may find yourself with a fixed penalty notice of £30. If this is disputed and taken to court, it could cost you as much as £1,000.