Four new driving laws you need to know during Euro 2024

With the nation cheering on the England squad in the Euro 2024 tournament, many people will be feeling rightfully patriotic and ready to celebrate.

But experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are warning Brits about how celebrating Euro wins in the car can actually lead to hefty fines.

Driving with England flags on a vehicle

With searches for 'England car flags' soaring 319%, experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are warning against putting any football merchandise on vehicles.

READ MORE: Bristol pubs and bars where you can watch the Euros

The Highway Code states that "windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision". This means that while England flags might seem like a great idea, they can actually block a driver's view of the road.

While it's not actually illegal to drive with England merchandise on cars, drivers will be breaking the law if their view of the road is blocked in any way. This rule doesn't just apply to England flags, merchandise hanging from the rear-view mirror can also cause obstructions of view and be the reason for potential road accidents.

Drivers could face an on-the-spot fine of £100, but if this is taken to court, the fine could be increased to £1,000 if an accident occurs while driving with obstructed vision.

Watching Euro matches behind the wheel

If running late to the beer garden or stuck in traffic this summer, football fans may be tempted to play a football match on their phone while driving. However, this would be a huge mistake.

Watching the Euro 2024 matches while driving could result in a £1,000 fine this summer and a potential 6 points on your licence.

Celebrating a Euro 2024 victory in your car

Drivers must be careful not to cause distractions in the car. Fans may be tempted to beep their car horn if England scores, however, Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that horns should only be used to warn another road user of a driver's presence - the illegal use of a horn could result in a £1,000 fine if taken to court.

Singing chants and football songs could also break Rule 148 of the Highway Code due to careless driving, so be extra careful when celebrating in the car.

Carrying loud passengers in your car

If you're the designated driver for the Euro 2024, ensure your passengers are not distracting you from the road. Drivers can be handed fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points for driving without due care and attention or distracted driving.

Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts Keith Hawes said: "Football fans are going to be supporting the England Lions this summer and we hope there will be plenty to celebrate over the course of the next month. However, it's important to never let the football matches get in the way of remaining safe and alert while driving.

"We recommend keeping football merchandise away from the car, in case of any obstructions caused. While England flags and dice might seem like a fun and light-hearted decoration to a vehicle, it is best to leave these at home to eliminate the chances of the road and mirrors being blocked from view.

"Under no circumstance should a mobile phone be used when behind the wheel, so football matches should always be watched, enjoyed and celebrated in a safe environment, whether from the comfort of your own home or even in the beer garden this summer."