Motorists warned over little-known law that could result in £2,500 fine this Christmas… even if you’re not driving
MOTORISTS have been warned of a little-known law which could see them slapped with a £2,500 fine this Christmas even if they aren’t driving.
Experts from Scrap Car Comparison urged drivers to be aware of the rule around drink driving as the festive party season kicks into gear.
Under the Highway Code, it is actually possible to be held liable for being drunk even if you aren’t actually behind the wheel.
Responsible partygoers may well decide to leave their motor parked up and get a taxi home, but popping back to your vehicle to grab your coat or simply standing next to it can land you in trouble with the law.
Technicalities in the law mean that you could still be seen as responsible for the vehicle while under the influence, which could see you handed a penalty notice for up to £2,500.
Likewise, you could be collared if you decide to try and sleep off the booze in the back seat, as you can still be considered “in control” of the car.
In this case, not only can a fine be in your future but you could be slapped with a driving ban as well.
Finally, many might not know that a favourite festive treat could see you up in court for drunk driving.
It may seem bizarre, but drivers need to be sure not to tuck into too many liqueur chocolates while out for a revel.
If that sounds too outlandish, it might shock some to learn that one motorist was actually found to be two and half times over the limit after a party in Peterhead, Scotland, in 2013 after helping themselves to the sweet treats.
Similarly, large portions of brandy-soaked Christmas pudding could see you legally unfit to drive.
David Kottaun, Scrap Car Comaprison’s operations manager, said: “The festive period is of course a time to have fun, but it’s also one to practice caution.
“With drink driving offences rising during December every year, the police are already on the lookout for any drivers that may seem to be over the limit, so there’s an even greater chance to be caught out when trying to do the right thing, like sleeping the alcohol off in your car or even fetching something from it before leaving it in a car park for the night.
“These things, along with Christmas chocolates having the potential to push you over the limit can feel like they will ‘never’ happen to you – until they do.
“Alcohol, no matter if it’s in a drink or an item of food, has the potential to ruin not only the festive period, but also lives if it leads to a crash, so the best rule of thumb is to avoid consuming alcoholic substances if you know you’ll be driving.”
It comes after a top doctor called for a radical change to drink driving laws this Christmas.
Meanwhile, the head of the RAC warned drivers over “ice rink” roads and shared a three-step method to beat frosty conditions.