Drivers warned over viral TikTok car trend that can land you with huge fines
While it can be tempting to try out every TikTok trend you see go viral, some aren't always the best idea.
Take a cheery festive trend that's sweeping the video-sharing platform, all about adorning your car with Christmas decorations.
In the videos, it certainly looks great - festive wreaths are placed on the hoods of cars, twinkling lights wrap around windows, and wheels are decorated with red bows.
Advert
It might seem like a bit of harmless fun, but experts are warning against jumping onto this particular trend.
In fact, Keith Hawes, director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, told The Sun this trend could 'totally invalidate your insurance' - which certainly doesn't sound like an appealing festive present.
"While it may seem like a minor alteration to your vehicle, decorating your car ahead of Christmas could lead to hefty fines and totally invalidate your insurance!", Hawes said.
"Despite not outright being illegal, we recommend lights, reindeer antlers, ribbons and tinsel should all be avoided inside and outside of your vehicle this Christmas.
“According to the highway code, nothing should obstruct your view.
"Meaning decorations shouldn’t be in your way, as them affecting your view out of the windscreen can lead to three points and up to £1,000 in fines."
These kinds of decorations might look jolly on your car, but you don't want to run the risk of invalidating your insurance - if you then did get into an accident, you would likely find it trickier for your car to get repaired and might have to pay out of pocket.
Not only this, but according to The Insurance Factory: "Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, uniformed police can seize your vehicle if it’s being driven without a valid insurance policy or licence."
So if you're thinking of adding a bit of festive cheer, you might want to keep your wreath on your front door instead of your windscreen.
And as always, it's a good reminder that not every TikTok trend is actually a good idea.
Instead, we recommend indulging in some of the more harmless TikTok fads - such as the filter which let's you get passionate with Shrek. Is it a bit weird? Absolutely - but there's very little chance of you clocking up a fine from that one.