DRIVERS have been warned over a potential fine and penalty points when transporting a Christmas tree home by car this year.
With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be thinking about getting a tree for the special day.
GettyMany families get Christmas trees for the holiday and have to transport them home in the car[/caption]
But there are some rules that everyone on the road has to follow to avoid a Bah Humbug hangover when transporting the long, bulky bit of timber.
And according to one study, 75 per cent of UK motorists were unaware of the rules for carrying a large load in their car.
Due to a tree’s spiky and irregular shape, some motorists leave the boot open for more space with the top of the tree hanging out the back.
But if police catch you breaking those rules, you can be slapped with a £100 fine on the spot – not even the spirit of Christmas can save you from that.
Ultimately, the police could sting you for a CU50 offence – causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers depending on how bad the offence is.
And in dangerous cases you also risk being charged with careless and inconsiderate driving, which could lead to an unlimited fine and nine points.
One way of getting around this is to ask the seller to wrap the tree, preventing the fronds and branches from sticking out more.
Wrapping will also prevent damage being done to the interior of your vehicle and poking any passengers in the eye.
The safest way to transport a tree is to use a car with roof racks.
The Highway Code stresses that it is essential the tree doesn’t stick out more than six inches while moving along the road.
It’s also recommended that drivers slow down when bringing a Christmas tree home because if the tree moves it could shift the weight of the car.
An emergency stop is also dangerous as it could make the tree move suddenly.
If you can’t avoid the tree hanging out the back of your car, then make sure to attach a reflective flag so other motorists can clearly see your load.
Decorating your car can also lead to fines, and could even invalidate your insurance and result in driving bans.
Despite not being illegal, experts recommend lights, reindeer antlers, ribbons and tinsel should all be avoided inside and outside of your vehicle this Christmas.
If your view out of the windscreen is obscured, it can lead to three points and up to £1,000 in fines.
Fairy lights in your car can also be very dangerous and can confuse road users and cause collisions.
GettyTransporting the tree tied down on roof racks is the safest way to move it[/caption]
ShutterstockOne tip to prevent damage from the tree is to get the seller to wrap it[/caption]