Drivers warned they could face fines or even prison for Euros England celebrations

Drivers have been warned not to let Euro2024 celebrations get out of hand while driving. A string of commonplace celebrations could land motorists with fines if they fall foul of the Highway Code.

If the police suspect a driver is not properly controlling their vehicle they could face a charge of careless driving which carries a maximum penalty of £5,000, three to nine points on their licence, and a potential driving ban. Other serious offences such as drink driving after a match could land those behind the wheel with convictions, fines and driving bans.

Common football celebrations such as honking the horn when a goal is scored or blasting football anthems on the radio could land fans in trouble. Tim Alcock from Lease Van warned: "With excitement building for the Euros, football fans should think twice before celebrating in their vehicles because they could be breaking the law.

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"Anything which causes a distraction on the roads should be avoided, or van drivers risk endangering other road users and themselves. It may be tempting to show support for your team by beeping if they score or blasting chants, but anyone committing road offences will be punished if caught by the police. Distractions are causes of dangerous driving, and fans will face imprisonment if an accident is caused which results in death or injury."

Lease Van has listed habits that football fans should avoid on the roads, including beeping the horn, playing loud music or draping your vehicle in flags.

Beeping the horn

Rule 112 of the Highway Code stipulates that horns should only be used to alert other road users of a driver's presence and should never be used aggressively.

Illegal use of a horn could result in van drivers receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice or a fine of up to £1,000 if it is wrongly challenged by a driver in court.

Blasting chants

Playing football songs and commentary loudly could also be considered as careless driving as it contravenes rule 148 of the Highway Code, which emphasises that safe driving and riding requires concentration and all distractions should be avoided.

If a driver causes an accident and the police believe it was due to the loud music causing a distraction, they could receive 9 points, an unlimited fine and a discretionary disqualification.

Checking the score

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal, so fans should not consider checking their scores while on the road.

If caught using a mobile phone, van drivers could face a £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification and 6 points. If a driver has passed their test in the last two years, they could lose their licence.

Drink driving

Fans might be tempted to have a few drinks to celebrate and then drive. However, if stopped and found to be over the limit, they could face two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a specific offence and is also categorised as dangerous and careless driving.

Flying flags

Supporters who adorn their vehicles with team logos, merchandise and flags could be in breach of Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. This regulation stipulates that drivers must have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead.

Violating this rule could result in van drivers being hit with a £1,000 fine and three points on their licence. However, if an accident occurs as a result, the penalties could escalate.

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