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Football fans gearing up for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament have been urged to comply with road rules or expect hefty penalties. Motoring experts have warned footie fans they could be slapped with fines up to £5,000 and nine points on their licence if their celebrations lead to careless driving.
After England’s recent success at world tournaments, there is concern that the Euro games, despite being held in Germany, could cause unruly behaviour on UK roads.
Football fans are now being warned to avoid getting carried away with their celebrations while driving, as they could be breaking road laws and highway code rules.
If the police believe a driver is not properly controlling their vehicle, they could be charged with careless driving. This carries a maximum penalty of £5,000, three to nine points on their licence and a discretionary driving disqualification.
Everyday football celebrations, such as honking the horn when a goal is scored and blasting football songs on the radio, could land fans in hot water if they are caught by the police.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “With excitement building for the Euros, football fans should think twice before celebrating in their car because they could be breaking the law.
“Anything which causes a distraction on the roads should be avoided, or 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.”
These Are the Habits LeaseCar.uk Say Football Fans Should Avoid on the Roads:
Beeping the Horn
Rule 112 of the Highway Code states that horns should only be used to warn another road user of a driver’s presence and should never be used aggressively.
The illegal use of a horn could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or a fine of up to £1,000 if it is wrongly challenged by a driver in court.
Blasting Chants
Blasting out football songs and commentary could also be seen as careless driving, as it violates rule 148 of the Highway Code, which states that safe driving and riding require concentration and that all distractions should be avoided.
If a driver causes an accident and the police believe it is a result of the loud music causing a distraction, they could be hit with 9 points, an unlimited fine and a discretionary disqualification.
Checking the Score
Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving is illegal, so fans should never consider checking their scores while driving.
If caught on a mobile phone, drivers could receive £1,000, 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 may be tempted to celebrate and drive with a pint or two. However, if pulled over and found to be over the limit, they face two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a specific offence and is also considered dangerous and careless driving.
Flying Flags
Fans who decorate the car with their team’s logos, merchandise and flags risk violating Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which states motorists must have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.
Breaking this rule could result in drivers being slapped with a £1,000 fine and three points; however, punishment and penalties will increase if an accident is caused.
For more information on finding your ideal car to get you to the match safely, visit https://leasecar.uk/.
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