Drivers urged to make 1 crucial check before clocks go back or risk £100 fine

Drivers across Britain are being reminded to complete a vital check on their cars ahead of the clock change this weekend.
This comes as the nation will move from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Sunday (October 26).

As daylight fades earlier, drivers are being urged to inspect their headlights and replace any faulty bulbs - both for safety reasons and to avoid potential penalties. Failing to fix a broken headlight could lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points on a driving licence. Tim Rodie, who works for car company Motorpoint, said: "Driving with only one working headlight not only reduces your visibility but will also make it harder for other motorists to see you.

"It's easy to check, all you need to do is walk around your car with the headlights on to make sure that all the bulbs are working as they should."

According to the UK law, it is considered as "careless driving" "when your driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver" and includes "driving without reasonable consideration for other road users."

As Halloween excitement builds this week, motorists are also being warned to keep decorations inside their cars to a minimum. Items that limit a driver's view or catch other drivers' attention could mean a £200 fine and three penalty points The Sun has reported.

If decorations like fake spider webs or spooky stickers block the number plate, the penalty could increase to £1,000.
Rodie added: "It really is best to keep the Halloween celebrations at home."

A spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: "It's great to see people getting into the Halloween spirit, but drivers need to be aware that certain decorations can pose serious risks on the road.

"Even something as simple as spider web decorations on the dashboard or stickers on the rear windscreen could obstruct your view, leading to fines of up to £1,000."

What's worse, you could also be fined for wearing a mask, and if your limited signs leads to a crash, you could pay up to £5,000.

Mel Savage, Head of Underwriting Operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, told Daily Record: "That full-face spooky mask might complete your Halloween costume, but it can get you into serious trouble.

"Highway Code Rule 90 states that you must have a completely clear view of the road, and therefore, if your Halloween mask or any bulky headpiece blocks your vision, you could face three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000."

That's not all, Mel cautions: "If that limited sight leads to a crash? You could be looking at a fine of up to £5,000 and 11 penalty points for dangerous driving."