Four new driving laws you need to know during Euro 2024

As the nation cheers on the England team at the Euro 2024 tournament, many people will be rightfully feeling patriotic and ready to celebrate.

But experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are warning Brits how celebrating your euro winnings in the car can actually lead to stinging fines.

Driving with England flags on a vehicle

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

READ MORE: Pubs and bars in Bristol where you can watch Euros

The Highway Code states that “windshields and windows must be kept clean and free of visible obstructions”. This means that while England flags might seem like a great idea, they can actually block the driver’s view of the road.

Although it is not actually illegal to drive goods from England in cars, drivers will be breaking the law if their view of the road is obstructed in any way. This rule does not only apply to England flags, goods hanging from the rear view mirror can also cause visual obstruction and be the reason for potential road accidents.

Drivers could face an on-the-spot fine of £100, but if prosecuted, the fine could be increased to £1,000 if an accident occurs while driving with impaired vision.

Watching Euro matches behind the wheel

If you’re running late to the beer garden or stuck in traffic this summer, soccer fans may be tempted to play a soccer game on their phone while driving. However, this would be a big mistake.

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

Celebrating a Euro 2024 win in your car

Drivers must be careful not to be distracted in the car. Fans may be tempted to honk if England score, however Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that horns should only be used to alert another road user to the presence of a driver – illegal use of a horn could result in a sum of £1,000. good if taken to court.

Chants and football chants could also break Rule 148 of the Highway Code for careless driving, so be extra careful when celebrating in your car.

Transport noisy passengers in your car

If you’re the designated driver for Euro 2024, make sure passengers don’t distract you from the road. Drivers can face fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points for driving without due care and attention or distracted driving.

Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts Keith Hawes said: “Football fans will be supporting the England Lions this summer and we hope there will be plenty to celebrate over the next month. However, it is important to never let football matches take place. to stay 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 may seem like a fun and easy decoration for a vehicle, it’s best to leave them at home to eliminate the chances of the road and mirrors being blocked from view.

“Under no circumstances should a mobile phone be used 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.”