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Drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 for common wedding-day mistakes, from driving in unsuitable footwear[2] to over-decorating the bridal car[3,4]
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Skipping seatbelts[3], or honking your horn in celebration[5,6] could also land motorists in legal trouble this wedding season
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Uswitch shares essential tips to help guests and newlyweds stay safe on the road
With wedding season in full swing, and June to August marking the peak months for tying the knot in England and Wales, thousands are expected to hit the road to attend celebrations[1]. But from decorated cars to driving in formalwear, wedding travel can come with unexpected risks.
To help keep the big day stress-free, Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, shares some of the most common wedding-related driving mistakes, helping drivers avoid unnecessary drama on the way to ‘I do’.
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Dress to impress, but not at the wheel.
High heels or fitted suits might look the part, but they can land you in trouble if they affect your control of the car[2,3]. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states drivers must wear suitable clothing and footwear while driving[2]. Failure to do so could result in a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence[3]. If you’re driving to a wedding, consider swapping stilettos for shoes with grip, and avoid outfits that restrict your movement behind the wheel.
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Think before you decorate the bridal car.
Tins, bunting and ‘Just Married’ signs might be a tradition, but if they block the driver’s view, they could also break the law[3,4]. According to the Highway Code, any decoration that obstructs your vision of the road or traffic could result in a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence[3,4].
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Don’t honk your horn in celebration of the married couple.
Beeping between venues might seem harmless, but Highway Code rule 112 says horns are for warnings only, not weddings[5,6]. Drivers should only use them while moving and to alert others of their presence[5,6]. A celebratory honk could land you a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice, and if you challenge it in court and lose, that fine could rise to £1,000[6]. Keep the celebrations loud, just not on the road.
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Remember seatbelts over style.
No matter how layered the dress or sharp the suit, seatbelts are non-negotiable. Even on a quick trip between venues, everyone needs to buckle up. And while squeezing in one more guest might seem like a good idea, overloading the car puts everyone at risk. If someone’s caught without a seatbelt, you could face a fine of up to £500[3].
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Don’t let a toast turn into a trip to court.
Weddings are a time to celebrate, and that often can include a drink or two. But if you’re driving to the venue, it’s important to plan how you’ll get home. Whether that’s nominating a designated driver or booking a taxi in advance, having a plan means everyone can enjoy the night safely.
Driving over the limit isn’t just dangerous, it’s a criminal offence[2]. Offenders risk up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least one year[7].
Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, comments:
“Weddings are a time of celebration, but it’s still important to keep safety and legal requirements in mind. From decorated cars to formalwear behind the wheel, some often-overlooked rules aren’t just about avoiding fines, they also help keep everyone safe on the day.
“Whether you’re borrowing a car from friends and family to help with travel between venues, or making room for bridesmaids and bouquets, temporary car insurance offers a flexible way to get covered for just the time you need – so the only thing you’ll need to worry about is getting to the aisle on time.”
Getting hitched or just hitching a ride? For more tips on driving safely this wedding season, or to get a temporary car insurance quote, visit Uswitch.
