BRIT football fans could be handed a whopping £1,000 fine for a ‘dangerous’ flag error during this year’s Euros.
The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, will see both Scotland and England compete for European glory – but could be costly for over-enthusiastic supporters.
UK motorists are likely familiar with seeing cars adorned with flags during football fever as lovers of the beautiful game cheer on their national teams.
However, some lesser-known road laws actually regulate this patriotic practice quite strictly.
Flags displayed across windows or the rear windscreen could fall foul of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, which actually date back to 1986.
If the flag is considered to be obstructing a motorist’s vision, the rules state that it can be considered dangerous.
Likewise, flags must be no larger than a sheet of A4 paper and cannot be attached to the bonnet or “leading edge” of the vehicle as they could block the windscreen if they came loose.
Being caught out by this could see you slapped with a maximum fine of £1,000.
Not only that, but section 53 of the same regulations can also land you in hot water as they govern “mascots, emblems or other ornamental objects” on vehicles.
It is an offence to display any object which could be considered a danger to other drivers or pedestrians.
No item can be placed “where it is likely to strike any person with whom the vehicle may collide.”
This rule is enforced by a similarly massive fine.
Graham Conway, motoring expert from Select Car Leasing, said: “With the Euros set to get underway this week, excitement is building.
“Especially for England fans who will be hoping the Three Lions can go one better than last time, when they lost on penalties to Italy in the final.
“Showing your support with a flag, scarf or mascot won’t be a problem for most.
“But it’s important to make sure the driver’s vision is never impaired by anything you attach to your vehicle.
“If you’re planning on flying a flag or attaching a mascot to your motor, make sure it can’t pose a risk to you or anyone else.”
All kick-offs UK time
England:
June 16 vs Serbia – 8pm KO
June 20 vs Denmark – 5pm KO
June 25 vs Slovenia – 8pm KO
Scotland:
June 14 vs Germany – 8pm KO
June 19 vs Switzerland – 8pm KO
June 23 vs Hungary – 8pm
Other important fixtures:
Round of 16 from June 29 to July 2 – 5pm & 8pm KO
QF from July 5-6 – 5pm & 8pm KO
SF from July 9-10 – 8pm KO
Final on July 14 – 8pm KO
A spokesperson for the Swansway Motor Group added: “It is vital that drivers do not place flags on the driver’s side of their car or in front of their windscreen or mirrors as this could obstruct vision.
“If drivers have a roof rack this is a good place to securely fasten a small flag to so long as there are not sharp edges which could be harmful to pedestrians.”
It comes after fans travelling to the tournament were warned over three items they must keep in their cars or risk a £600 fine.
