Experts warn cheeky TikTok car accessory could land drivers with £1,000 fine
A simple gadget in your car could end up with you ringing the bank.
Most Brits are aware that driving whilst on your phone, speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt will land them in hot water. We also know that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or failing to stop at an accident could result in jail time.
But, common accessories that are popular on places like TikTok could also get you in trouble, with fines up to £1,000. Amid the cost of living crisis, this is less than ideal. However, experts have compiled a list of the most common offenders that can have costly consequences.
The car light in question is an LED hand gesture light, which drivers can affix to their rear-view window. They can then use a remote control to make gestures, including the middle finger, to other drivers.
Experts at car and van leasing company Vanarama have warned drivers to reconsider purchasing the hand gesture light - as the particularly cheeky gadget is set to land people in hot water. The gadgets can block a driver's view from the rear-view window which goes against the Highway Code.
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"Using this light to give other road users the middle finger is also considered a form of road rage, posing safety risks and potentially contributing to accidents," Vanarama added. The experts also advised drivers to stay away from fluffy steering wheels as they could easily make you lose control of your vehicle.
Rear-view mirror accessories as well as dashboard ornaments can also block your view. LED car strip lights potentially violate The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 - which states: “No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp capable of showing a red light to the front [or rear]."
Under the Highway Code, 'failure to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead' has a maximum penalty of a £1,000 fine. This increases to £2,500 for PCV or good vehicles. Drivers also risk three penalty points on their licence.
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Yesterday, experts over at Zego warned drivers to not wave at other vehicles - as the polite gesture could also land you a fine. Many of us will warn oncoming cars to warn them about mobile speed camera vans.
Whilst well-intentioned, this is classified as an 'interference with police duties' under section 89 of the Police Act - which can result in fines up to £1,000. The Highway Code also explicitly tells drivers to keep both hands on the wheel 'as much as possible' to make sure they have full control of their vehicle.
In a statement sent to the Mirror, CEO Sten Saar said: "If you need to thank someone while driving, it's safer to have a passenger do the waving. This way, you can avoid penalties and stay focused on driving."
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