Don’t Drive in Your Halloween Costume This Weekend
Avoid Fines of Up to €5,000
As Halloween draws closer and you start to decorate your home (check out our Halloween Home Decorating Tips for inspiration), it's also time to think about pumpkin picking and finding the perfect costume. But amidst all the fun, Chill Insurance has highlighted a potential fine that could be scarier than any horror movie. If you’re planning to drive this Halloween, think twice before wearing your costume behind the wheel, as it could lead to fines of up to €5,000.
Why can wearing a costume lead to a fine?
Restricted vision
Many Halloween costumes have masks or eyewear that can restrict your vision. You should never drive with anything in front of your face or eyes that can block or reduce your eyesight because it can be dangerous. This could be classed as careless driving, defined by the Road Traffic Acts 1961 as “driving without reasonable consideration” resulting in an €80 fine and two points on your licence, which can increase if taken to court.
Not being able to see clearly can lead to failing to stop at junctions, ignoring traffic lights or disobeying traffic signs, all of which are driving offences that result in fines and points.
If your lack of vision results in serious careless driving or dangerous driving you can be fined up to €5,000.
Reduced control of the vehicle
If your Halloween costume has gloves or anything on your hands that may reduce your control of the steering wheel, handbrake, or gear stick, this could also result in dangerous driving and therefore a fine of up to €5000.
Can fines and points on my licence affect my insurance?
Getting points on your licence indicates to insurance companies that you are a risky driver, which in turn is more likely to result in higher premiums and insurance costs. Insurers should also be told about any fixed notice penalties, meaning fines can also increase insurance costs.
No-one wants to pay an unexpected fine or gain points on their licence, and nobody wants to put themselves or others at risk. So, be sure to stay safe this Halloween season, regardless of your plans.