The most romantic day of the 12 months is quick approaching.
But though Valentine’s Day is thought for love and pleasure, it may find yourself leaving you seething. That’s as a result of drivers threat getting fined on February 14.
Motorists threat enormous £1,000 fines for being distracted by all of the love this week – whether or not that blaring out romantic love songs or snapping selfies along with your associate.
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Forgetting to demist home windows after a steamy snogging session, in addition to stunning your date with heart-shaped balloons, may additionally land you with a hefty penalty. The course of real love by no means does run easy.
(Image: Getty Images)
So how can drivers keep away from fines this Valentine’s Day? The automobile insurance coverage crew at Comparethemarket put collectively a listing of seven warnings to bear in mind to keep away from getting stung within the coming days.
1. Heart-shaped balloons
Penalty: £1,000 fantastic and three factors
Drivers ought to be cautious about how they transport balloons of their automobiles as inflatables may be distracting and harmful.
A stray balloon may simply hinder the view out of the rear home windows which may finish with a £1,000 fantastic plus three penalty factors.
2. Drinking and driving
Penalty: Unlimited fines underneath Rule 95 of the Highway Code
It ought to go with out saying that drivers should not get behind the wheel if they’re over the authorized restrict.
Anyone discovered responsible of this offence can be given six months’ imprisonment, a vast fantastic, and a driving ban.
If they are not disqualified the driving force will obtain 3-11 penalty factors as an alternative.
(Image: Getty Images)
3. Clothes that prohibit management of the automobile
Penalty: £1,000 fantastic underneath Rule 97 of the Highway Code
Wearing excessive heels, platform soles or an outfit that restricts motion whereas driving may end up in a fantastic of £1,000 plus three penalty factors.
Drivers have to make it possible for their clothes and footwear selections permit them to take care of correct management of the car and a full view of the street and site visitors forward.
4. Leaving the engine working
Penalty: Fine of as much as £80
Drivers could also be eager to make an amazing impression on their date this Valentine’s Day, and for some, this might contain getting out of the automobile and strolling them again to their door.
However, drivers who go away their parked automobile unattended with the engine working unnecessarily whereas stationary on public roads threat being fined as much as £80.
5. Date-night selfies
Penalty: £1,000 fantastic and 6 penalty factors
It’s in opposition to the legislation to make use of a hand-held cell phone, or an identical machine like a pill, for any purpose when driving or stationary in site visitors (except it is a real emergency).
So be sure you’re turning on romantic music earlier than you set off and keep away from taking selfies or working the Sat Nav whereas driving.
Drivers who’re caught utilizing their cell phone behind the wheel may be fined £1,000 and given six penalty factors.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
6. Holding fingers
Penalty: Unlimited fines
Drivers are suggested in opposition to holding a associate’s fingers, as that is thought of to be a distraction from the street.
According to Rule 160 of the Highway Code, motorists ought to drive with each fingers on the wheel and keep away from all distractions.
Failing to take action may be thought of harmful driving – an offence which may include two years’ imprisonment, a vast fantastic and an compulsory driving disqualification.
7. Foggy home windows
Penalty: £1,000 fantastic
As thrilling as steamy make out session may be, drivers should at all times keep in mind to demist completely earlier than setting off.
This must be finished earlier than they begin driving, as forgetting to take action may result in a £1,000 fantastic together with three penalty factors.
Julie Daniels, from Comparethemarket, stated: “Despite the extra excitement and anticipation of the most romantic day of the year, it’s incredibly important that drivers are following the rules of the road and practising safe driving to not only avoid fines, but to keep themselves, their date, and other road users safe.
“Make positive any items or balloons do not affect your view of the street, your outfit or sneakers do not hinder your potential to regulate the car, and that you just both press play in your romantic playlist earlier than you set off – or let your date play DJ.
“Above all else, keep your eyes on the road and don’t get distracted by trying to impress your date. And don’t forget penalty points will potentially increase the cost of your car insurance too.”
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