Motorists across the country have been warned to stay vigilant this Bonfire Night or risk being slapped with a fine as high as £400 plus points on your licence.
Motoring experrt Ollie Green from MOT collection company Collect Service Go highlighted that some lesser-known rules over motoring laws can be especially important during Bonfire Night. This is because driving conditions can change dramatically not just on the day of Bonfire Night but the days following after.
Some key things to look out for include reduced visiblity, careless driving, and even transporting fireworks without the necessary licence. Read on for a full explanation on the driving risks during Bonfire Night.
Transporting Fireworks: £300 fine and six penalty points
Mr Green said: “Many drivers are unaware that transporting more than 50kg of fireworks without a valid licence can result in a £300 fine and six penalty points on their driving licence. This violation can also have serious implications for insurance coverage, potentially resulting in it being invalidated.”
“Before transporting fireworks, individuals should make sure they have the appropriate registration and check with their insurance provider. Failure to do so may lead to invalidation of coverage, which can be financially detrimental.”
“Safety should always be a priority when handling fireworks. Making sure they stay dry is essential, as damp fireworks can leak explosive materials, increasing the risk of unpredictable behaviour when ignited. Additionally, it’s strongly advised against leaving fireworks in a vehicle overnight, especially in adverse weather conditions.”
Fireworks and Driving Visibility: £100 fine and three penalty points
Mr Green added: “Most drivers are unaware that fireworks can dramatically reduce visibility on the roads for up to two days, with studies showing an average decrease of 25%. In certain areas, visibility can drop by as much as 64%. This is a serious concern for all road users, especially during celebrations.”
“When the humidity is high, it can make the visibility even worse because the particles released by fireworks scatter light more effectively in damp air. As a result, drivers may think they can see clearly when their visibility might still be reduced, making it harder to see other vehicles or obstacles on the road.”
“When driving during and after firework displays, it’s important for drivers to reduce their speeds and use headlights when visibility is reduced, as well as their front or rear fog lights until conditions improve.”
Mr Green concluded: “Drivers should be aware that poor visibility, particularly in foggy conditions, can lead to serious consequences if an accident occurs. If you are involved in a crash caused by reduced visibility, you may face on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points on your driving licence.
“In more severe cases, if the driving is deemed careless or dangerous, fines can increase significantly, and penalties can escalate to driving bans or even imprisonment.”