Drivers face £5,000 fine over October rule and 'ignorance is not a defence'
Motorists could ‘face £5,000 fine’ for Halloween costumes or even ‘a driving ban'. Halloween is a time of celebration, ghoulish fun and, for many, a chance to don a fancy dress costume and take to the roads, road users have been told.
But putting the pedal to the metal in a werewolf outfit or princess dress can come with unexpected penalties if you're not in compliance with the rules of the road. "Breaking the rules of the road is not a trifling matter, even on Halloween. Ignorance is not a defence," says Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director & Motoring Expert at GM Direct Hire . "If you're pulled over, expect to face the consequences - in some cases, that can include steep fines."
Under Rule 90 of the Highway Code, your vision mustn't be obstructed while driving. Costumes, particularly masks or those with elaborate headpieces, can often reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents on the road.
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If any element of your costume makes it difficult to control your vehicle, this is against the law under Rule 97 of the Highway Code. Long, flowing costumes, capes, or unwieldy footwear could potentially interfere with your ability to safely manage your vehicle.
Seatbelts must be worn at all times when driving, as per Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Costumes with bulky accessories or inflexible elements could interfere with proper use of a seatbelt, potentially earning you a fine. "It isn't about eschewing the holiday spirit - it's about merging it with road safety," suggests GM Direct Hire.
The scale of fines can depend, but drivers can expect fines of up to £100 for not wearing a seatbelt, up to £1,000 for driving without proper control of the vehicle, and up to £1,000 for driving with obscured vision. Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director & Motoring Expert at GM Direct Hire says: "Halloween may inspire some fun, but while you're out enjoying the festivities in costume, don't forget to prioritise road safety. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the road."