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Drivers installing Christmas lights on their cars could face fines and penalty points, the RAC has cautioned.
The warning follows an incident where police stopped a motorist in Poole, Dorset, whose vehicle was covered in hundreds of festive lights. Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, headlights must be white or yellow and rear lights must be red. Displaying red lights at the front or using blue lights—reserved for emergency vehicles—can confuse other drivers and pose a safety risk.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the motorist was given “words of advice” about the offences and jokingly reminded about celebrating Christmas too early. They added that showing red lights at the front or using unapproved colours at the rear could lead to a £50 fine.
The case has sparked discussion both locally and beyond, prompting the RAC to clarify what is and isn’t allowed when decorating a vehicle for the holidays.
It is legal to decorate a car for Christmas, but drivers could face fines or points if the decorations:
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Block their view of the road
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Add extra lights
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Include items that could injure pedestrians
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Are likely to fall off or endanger other road users
Magnetic signs, stickers, and festive wraps are generally acceptable, provided they do not cover number plates or obstruct visibility. Decorations inside the vehicle, such as dashboard ornaments, are also permitted as long as they don’t interfere with the driver’s view or cause distraction.
Drivers must always have a “full and clear view of the road ahead,” and failing to do so could result in three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.
