With the festive season now in full swing, some drivers are covering their cars in Christmas lights.Â
Numerous videos have gone viral on social media apps such as TikTok (see below), featuring cars bedecked with elaborate light displays.Â
However, adding fairy lights to your car is a legal grey area – and may attract the attention of the police.Â
Drivers who decorate their cars could even receive an unwanted Christmas gift, such as points on their driving licence or a substantial fine.
What does the law say about Christmas lights on a car?
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, says there is ‘no specific law’ prohibiting the use of fairy lights on the exterior of a vehicle.Â
However, sections of the Highway Code, and other rules around car safety and construction, could potentially put drivers outside the law.
Section 148 of the Highway Code says drivers must avoid being distracted when behind the wheel. In the event of an accident, fairy lights could potentially be seen as a distraction.Â
In addition, distracting other road users with Christmas lights on a car could potentially lead to a charge of careless driving. This can result in up to nine driving licence penalty points, plus a maximum fine of £5,000.
What colour fairy lights are allowed on a car?
The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 are very specific about what colour lights can be displayed on a car.Â
They specify that headlights must be yellow or white, with amber used for indicators and tail lights in red. The rules also make clear that only emergency vehicles can make use of blue lighting.Â
As such, multi-coloured fairy lights, particularly ones that include blue elements, could land drivers in trouble with the police.
Finally, adding an elaborate light display to your car would likely be classed as a modification for insurance purposes. Not declaring extra lights could see your insurance policy invalidated in the event of an accident.
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