While sprucing up your car can impress your friends or grow your fan base on social media, drivers have been warned that furry dice or pink gear shift covers could show they’re on the wrong side of the law.
The new TikTok trend #decoratemycar is inspiring British motorists to go a little overboard when equipping their beloved vehicles. Videos featuring the popular hashtag have been viewed 142.2 million times.
With decorative items, from stickers to steering wheel covers, they could break the traffic rules and could receive a hefty fine and points on their driver’s license.
So here are the accessories to avoid unless you fancy a fine…
A clip posted by user @extraababyy shows her putting bling bling over the steering wheel, fuzzy covers on the gearshift and handbrake. But despite the popularity of the trend, many TikTok users saw the dangers and dangers the trinkets pose.
British drivers have been urged not to follow a popular TikTok trend as it could see them hit with hefty fines and points on their licenses
The popular trend is circulating on the social media site with the hashtag #decoratemycar which has more than 142.4 million views
Hundreds of videos are circulating on the social media site – some of which have been viewed more than 21 million times – as posters show them decorating their dashboards, seats and other parts of their cars.
A clip posted by user @extraababyy shows her applying ‘bling’ over the steering wheel, fuzzy covers on the gear lever and handbrake, as well as decorations on the dash and vents.
But despite the popularity of the trend, many TikTok users have urged others not to follow suit. They commented at the bottom of the video, seeing the dangers and dangers associated with the trinkets.
One person wrote, “If you detonate the airbags, the flashy logo on your steering wheel could do some damage to your face.”
And another said, “You should never put decor in the middle of your steering wheel, it will cut you to pieces in an accident if the airbag deploys.”
While a third user added, “Ml that’s not safe.”
Other users were also concerned for her safety and commented that it is not advisable to have such a highly recognizable car.
One person wrote, “This is all so cute, but it also puts you at more risk because they know this car is being driven by a woman,” as another said, “This is cute, but try to decorate the outside, it brings you in danger. for following.’
Don’t let a TikTok trend land you with a fine…
It’s important to note that you can be banned from driving if you already have 12 penalty points on your license within a three-year period, according to gov.uk.
Different rules apply to new drivers, whose license can be revoked if they earn six or more points within a two-year period of passing their test.
1. Avoid hanging large rearview mirror accessories
If a police officer feels that your air freshener or fuzzy dice are blocking your view and distracting you while driving, you could be in trouble (File image)
Nowadays, almost everyone hangs the fresh scent of lemon or pine wood on the rearview mirror in the car.
But it turns out it’s actually illegal (sort of).
If a police officer feels that your air freshener or decoration is blocking your view and distracting from your driving, you could be in trouble.
According to the Road Traffic Act: ‘Windshields and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to visibility’.
Therefore, if you’re pulled over by a police officer and they find your fluffy dice or ChupaChups air freshener obscuring your view of the road, it could lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000 or even three points on your licence. .
Having such items may also give mechanics every reason to advise you to remove said trims – otherwise your car will not be able to pass the MOT.
2. Be warned about decorating your dashboard with diamond gems
Diamante gems may look cool, some TikTokers are going wild and sticking them on steering wheels, air vents and on their dashboards.
As users on the social media site pointed out, you should never put decor in the center of your steering wheel as if your airbag is going to deploy, it could cause you serious harm.
There is also the safety aspect as having a lot of decorations on the car can mean it is easily recognizable and traceable.
According to The Highway Code, decorating your car is dangerous as it could be considered ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’ – so Britons have been warned not to do this.
This is because such bling can be distracting not only to the driver of the vehicle, but also to other motorists on the road.
Therefore, drivers should know that if they are stopped for “careless and inconsiderate driving,” according to the highway code, they could receive an unlimited fine and/or a discretionary disqualification and three to nine points on their driver’s license.
3. Remove any steering wheel covers
If you lose control of your wheel due to a lack of grip of the cover, you could be fined for dangerous driving related to The Highway Code (File image)
A majority of videos on TikTok show users wrapping their steering wheel covers in fuzzy or colored materials.
However, motorists have been warned never to do anything that affects their hand’s grip on their vehicle.
And the same goes for your gear lever and handbrake, because you should always have them at hand.
If you lose control of your wheel due to a lack of grip of the cover, you could be fined for dangerous driving related to The Highway Code.
Punishment can add up to 11 points to your license.
So if you are going to add a steering wheel cover, you should choose one from trusted retailers or your car’s manufacturer.
4. Stop keeping hand gel and sunscreen in your car
It is best to store beauty products and hand sanitizer in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight – you can place them in the storage box on the dashboard
Keeping large quantities of beauty products in the car during summer periods can actually make them less effective.
While the TikTok trend has drivers keeping hand gel, sunscreen, beauty products and other essentials in their cars, this is not advice.
Prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can break down ingredients, such as the alcohol content in sanitizers, so your product may not work as effectively.
In general, it is best to store hand sanitizer in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
And if you leave them in your vehicle, place them in the storage box on the dashboard.
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