Drivers have been urged to take particular care when carrying a Christmas tree in their car (Image: Getty)
Drivers thinking of decorating their home have been warned of a that and accidents ruining their .
With Christmas just two weeks away, many families are decking their halls with plenty of lights and a covered in baubles and tinsel.
However, Matt Dolman from , warned motorists to take care when carrying a Christmas tree in their car to prevent breaking the law.
They explained: “Rule 98 of the is crystal clear: you must not overload your vehicle or trailer beyond what’s recommended by the manufacturer.
“Additionally, loads must be secured safely and must not stick out in a way that’s deemed dangerous.”
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Drivers should make sure that the tree does not block their view of the road, which may cause fines (Image: Getty)
Whilst carrying a Christmas tree in their car can be one of the easiest and cheapest ways for drivers to transport the popular decoration back home, they must pack it correctly to avoid fines.
In particular, motorists should make sure the tree fits correctly in their vehicle and does not restrict their view of the rear and side windows.
This can generate a much larger than usual blind spot, leading to a much higher risk of accidents and fines ranging from £100 to £5,000 if it leads to an accident.
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Drivers fitting the tree to the roof of the vehicle should use plenty of strong rope or cords (Image: Getty)
Similarly, Matt suggested that drivers take care when carrying their tree on the roof of their car, stating that wrapping it in bungee cords could be dangerous.
They added: “These cords don’t absorb shock effectively, meaning the load can shift unexpectedly. If the cords snap or slip, they can recoil at dangerous speeds, risking injury or vehicle damage.”
Instead, drivers should attach the tree to a strong roof rack using strong ropes that are fastened tightly from the base to the tip.
In addition, drivers should also make sure their Christmas tree is properly wrapped before carrying it inside or on top of their vehicle.
Many suppliers often give customers the chance to have their tree wrapped up in netting, which makes it significantly easier to manage as it reduces the amount of branches sticking out and blocking the view.
Drivers should also travel at a much slower speed to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly trying to avoid sudden braking by travelling at a further distance from other vehicles.