Drivers risk £100 fine and 3 points for major mistake next weekend

With Halloween only a few days away and spooky season well and truly underway, scores of people across the UK are getting ready to put on their costumes and party the night away.

Yet if they're not cautious, revellers getting behind the wheel this Halloween could face themselves with a £100 penalty for donning fancy dress.

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, has cautioned motorists about the straightforward, and remarkably widespread, driving error which could result in drivers receiving a £100 fine this Halloween.

Mike explains: "Every year, millions of Brits dress up for Halloween and hit the road for parties and events, but doing so could land you in a spot of bother. Rule 97 of the Highway Code specifically states that drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly, and many Halloween costumes can be obstructive, resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points."

The specialist recommends: "If you're getting behind the wheel in fancy dress, it's best to avoid large hats and masks that can impair your vision, as well as chunky shoes or flowing garments that might get in the way of the pedals or controls. You also need to make sure that you can fasten your seatbelt safely in whatever you're wearing, so try not to choose any costumes that are too bulky or restrictive."

Mike adds: "The best way to avoid risking a fine if you're not sure about your costume and whether it breaches the highway code, is to travel in a different outfit and change when you reach your destination. Otherwise, avoid getting behind the wheel altogether and find alternative transportation to avoid a hefty fine."

But this isn't the only method motorists can accumulate unwanted penalties this Halloween.

Motorists must remain vigilant during Halloween, cautions Mel Savage, Head of Underwriting Operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance. The risk assessment expert has issued an alert for drivers planning to embrace the seasonal spirit by donning Halloween costumes or decorating their vehicles.

Mel warns: "Even if you're dressed as a superhero or a knight, you must wear your seatbelt correctly, as stated in the Road Traffic Act 1988. Costumes with padding, armour, or large accessories often stop the belt from sitting tight and safely. If your costume gets in the way of proper seatbelt use, make sure to take it off before you set off. Failure to do so will put you at risk of facing seatbelt offences, of which fines generally start at £100."

However, it's not merely human costumes that pose a risk - motorists planning to adorn their beloved vehicles for the celebration must exercise caution as well.

Mel explains: "Whilst decorating your car may help you get into the spooky spirit, hanging cobwebs from your mirrors or sticking skeletons on the windscreen will put you at risk of a fine. Anything that blocks your view should be avoided and can be treated as careless or dangerous driving."

He additionally cautions: "This could lead to a £200 fine and three points on your licence. Whilst we'd encourage you to keep the decorations for your home, if you do decorate your vehicle, keep the decorations small, well out of your sight line, and make sure they're completely secure so they don't distract you while you're driving."

Legal experts at Free Grants For Felons have also highlighted one Halloween outfit that's absolutely no laughing matter: dressing up as a police officer.

This apparently innocent disguise can trigger criminal proceedings and substantial penalties. Under UK law, impersonating a constable - or even donning a police uniform or kit in circumstances "likely to deceive" - is a criminal offence.

Courts can issue unlimited fines and sentences of up to six months in prison, and police take reports of "fake officers" very seriously - especially in busy night-time settings.

So, if your Halloween costume closely resembles an authentic police uniform - such as checkerboard caps, "POLICE"-branded hi-vis vests, rank slides, utility belts, imitation radios, or body cams - it could be seen as impersonation or as wearing a uniform intended to deceive. In short, it's worth thinking twice.