Drivers warned about autumn car accessory that could cost £13k fine

Halloween is just around the corner some drivers will be keen to get into the spooky spirit by decorating their vehicles. What they may not realise, however, are the strict rules about car accessories.

Google Trends data revealed just how many drivers are searching up 'Halloween car', as thousands plan to transform their vehicle for the festivities. Although, what they don't seem to realise is that particular decorations may see them landing a hefty fine and in trouble with the law.

According to Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager atOvoko, Europe's largest online marketplace for used car parts, some of these seemingly simple decorations could reach fines of up to £13,000. Not to mention, they could result in penalty points and even driving bans.

He explained: "While we love seeing people celebrate Halloween creatively, drivers often don't understand the legal implications of their decorations. What seems like harmless fun can quickly become a costly mistake that affects both your wallet and your driving licence."

Halloween decoration mistakes:

The top most costly decor mistake when it comes to Halloween is having a fake body part sticking out of the boot - a trend that's taken off thanks to viral social media clips. However, it can lead to a number of legal consequences, as it can cause distractions for other drivers, which may fall under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

It states that driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons" could lead to a fine of up to £5,000. On top of that, if the fake body part is hanging over your number plate, you may face an additional £1,000 penalty, and combined with other potential violations, it could soon reach a total of £13,000.

Urbonas warns: "This might look hilarious on TikTok, but it's one of the most dangerous decorations you can use. Not only does it distract other drivers, but it can cuse genuine panic among pedestrians who might think they're witnessing a real emergency."

Anything from blood splatters to handprints and creepy crawlies on windows can become illegal the minute they appear to obstruct your view. The vehicle experts explain that if it blocks your vision of the road, it puts you at risk of being charged with driving a vehicle in "dangerous conditions".

"This carries a £2,500 fine, three penalty points, and potentially a driving ban," Urbonas explains. He also noted that insurance companies can also refuse claims if the driver's view was obstructed by decorations, resulting in an accident.

A unique way you can still get into the festive spirit and save yourself the hefty fine includes dashboard decorations. From small pumpkins to plastic spiders or figurines, this is an alternative way to keep all safety features accessible and still have a bit of fun.

On top of this, you can try interior seat covers with spooky designs or even add magnetic car decals that can be added to your bumper, for example, without damaging the paintwork or obstructing your view.

Or if your car is parked, you can use it to help create elaborate Halloween scenes for trick-or-treaters. Many car owners chose to use their open boot as a prop for scary scenes, as a great way of letting your creativity run wild within the confines of safety.

Talking about these risks further, the Supplier Excellence Manager said: "What makes this particularly concerning is that enforcement typically increases during Halloween week, with police conducting more routine stops to check for seasonal violations. Officers are trained to spot these issues during October, meaning drivers are much more likely to be caught and penalised.

"The financial consequences can be devastating, especially when multiple violations stack up. A single decoration mistake could result in fines, points, insurance complications, and even court appearances.

"Halloween should never come at the expense of road safety. There are plenty of creative ways to decorate your car that don't put yourself, your passengers, or other road users at risk."