12 Days of Christmas Motoring Tips

12 penalty points – the maximum number of points that can be endorsed on your licence before you face a ‘totting-up’ disqualification for a minimum of 6 months. Many common motoring offences carry penalty points such as speeding and careless driving, but even having faulty tyres can put you in danger, especially if all four are looking a little worn!

Not yet got your Christmas tree? If you’re thinking about just sticking one of the roof of your car to take home, think about the Highway Code. If the tree is longer than your vehicle, a reflective flag needs to be attached to the overhanging end to alert other drivers. Failure to do so could cause you to be charged with ‘causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers’ which carries 3 penalty points and a fine.

If you’re getting into the festive spirit this Christmas (whether it be vodka or gin), take care when driving the following day. Your body may still be processing the alcohol which could mean you are still over the drink-drive limit. Even if you are not and you are under the legal limit, if your driving is impaired you may face a charge of driving whilst unfit through alcohol which carries a similar mandatory minimum 12 month disqualification to drink-driving.

Might your Christmas food tip you over the edge? Mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas pudding often contain alcohol as a key ingredient and alongside your festive tipples could put you at risk of exceeding the drink-drive limit.

Driving home for Christmas? The last Friday before Christmas, dubbed ‘Frantic Friday’ will see the roads and public transport busier than every! With the mad dash to get home for the Christmas break, take extra care on the roads, watch for other drivers and keep your speed in check.

If you get a snazzy new phone or an interactive sat-nav as a Christmas gift this year, make sure you also get a holster for use in your vehicle. Being spotted with an interactive device in your hand whilst driving carries a hefty 6 penalty points and a fine. This also applies when you’re in standstill traffic so make sure you don’t get caught out. Plenty of people are spotted by police within seconds of even picking their phone up in the car.

Will it be a White Christmas this year? Snow can create hazardous driving conditions so extra care must be taken when battling winter weather. Slow your speed down, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front and ensure that your lights are on for maximum visibility. Poor driving may lead to a possible careless or dangerous driving charge.

Sleeping off alcohol in your car after a boozy Christmas party can lead you to legal troubles. Being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle carries a minimum of 10 penalty points or a period of disqualification depending on the level of alcohol in your system.

If you love to sing along to your favourite Christmas songs each year, don’t get too carried away! Despite the “Carpool Karaoke” craze started by James Corden and his late night crew, If your driving is affected by any singing or dancing in the driver seat you may find your driving standard drops to a careless or even dangerous level.

Make sure you treat yourself to a new insurance policy this Christmas if you are lucky enough to receive a nice new car from Santa! Driving without a valid policy of insurance carries 6-8 penalty points or a risk of disqualification.

Police forces often launch drink driving and drug drive campaigns over the festive period and are extra vigilant in trying to tackle possible drink drivers. Ensure you take care with alcohol consumptions and leave it plenty of time after drinking before you get back in your driver seat.

And finally, the most important motoring law tip of all, if you need any assistance over the festive period, then contact us on 0161 274 5580 to speak with our expert legal team for any motoring law issues. We are open every day from 10am to 10pm.