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EXPERTS have revealed seven driving laws couples MUST know about this Valentine’s Day.
Lovebirds who forget these rules in a flight of passion could end up with a £1,000 fine.
Comparemarket’s motor insurance experts have laid out seven driving offences which loved-up motorists might unwittingly commit.
Drivers who leave their car engines running when picking up their better half could be slapped with an £80 fine for “stationary idling”, under rule 123 of the Highway Code.
But those who let heart balloons block their view of the road face a potential £1,000 fine, enough to ruin the most exhilarating date night.
The same £1,000 fine could be handed out to couples who wear clothes affecting their ability to drive, under rule 97 of the Highway Code.
This includes high heels, flowing dresses or blindfolds, all of which can interfere with reaction times on the road.
A lack of clothing could also get you in trouble, should you choose to drive barefoot after stripping off.
Couples who take selfies while driving could also be liable for a £1,000 fine, whatever their state of dress or undress.
Some lovebirds may feel unable to wait for home before getting it on.
But be it a quick kiss or an earth-shattering romp, make sure you demist your windows after steaming them up.
Failure to do so before embarking on a car journey could see you fined £1,000, as the Highway Code requires drivers to “full view of the road and traffic ahead”.
Two Valentine’s Day driving laws carry even graver penalties.
Rule 160 of the Highway Code states that drivers should drive with both hands on the wheel and avoid all distractions.
Motorists who can’t keep their hands to themselves could be charged with dangerous driving – which could land them in jail.
Even if frisky drivers avoid a prison sentence, they could be given an unlimited fine, a driving disqualification or anywhere between 3 and 11 points.
Needless to say, couples should also steer clear of drink-driving this Valentine’s Day.
Julie Daniels, a motor insurance expert at comparison site Compare The Market, told the Daily Record: “With all the extra excitement and anticipation of the most romantic day of the year, some drivers might find themselves getting distracted behind the wheel.
“However, it’s incredibly important that they are following the rules of the road and practicing safe driving not only avoid fines, but to keep themselves and their date safe.
“Make sure any gifts or balloons do not impact your view of the road, that your outfit or shoes won’t hinder your ability to control the vehicle, and that you either choose the romantic music before you set off, or let your date play DJ.
“And above all else, keep your eyes on the road and don’t get distracted by trying to impress your date.”
It comes after The Sun revealed that Brits are addicted to bonking in cars, even if slippery gearsticks present a problem for many couples.
Couples who prefer not to risk hefty fines on the road may prefer a cosy night in – but shoppers have slammed Lidl’s Valentine’s ravioli because it looks like a certain body part.
The seven rules of Valentine’s Day driving
These are the seven driving laws Comparethemarket say drivers mustn’t forget this Valentine’s Day:
- Don’t let heart balloons block your view – £1,000 fine
- Never drink and drive – prison sentence, unlimited fine and/or driving disqualification
- Wear clothes which don’t affect your ability to drive – £1,000 fine
- Don’t leave the car engine running when dropping off and picking up your date – fine up to £80
- Never take selfies when driving – £1,000 fine
- Never hold hands while driving – prison sentence, unlimited fine and/or driving disqualification
- After a steamy romp, make sure you thoroughly demist your windows before setting off – £1,000 fine
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