Brits have been warned they risk a hefty fine and points on their licence if they grab a lift home with a learner driver after drinking during the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
The warning comes as millions are set to attend street parties in honour of the Queen's 70 years on the throne.
But you could receive a fine of up to £2,500, ten points on your licence or a total ban if you rely on a lift home from a learner driver while you are over the legal drinking limit.
This is because legally, you're in charge of the vehicle while you're supervising an unqualified motorist. You also need to make sure you’re qualified to supervise a learner in the first place.
Supervisors must be at least over the age of 21, have held their licence for three years and be insured on the vehicle.
Designated drivers can take out temporary insurance from as little as one hour so they’re covered while they play the role of taxi.
James Armstrong, CEO of insurer Veygo, said: “Lots of us will want to make the most of an extra day off this bank holiday by having a few drinks. So making arrangements for post-pub lifts will be at the front of people's minds.
“A student or teenager who is learning to drive, looking to get in some extra practice and earn some extra cash might seem like a good candidate.
“Parents of learner drivers - or their friends - might be tempted to offer taxi money in exchange for a lift home, and cash-strapped learners might be happy to accept.
“But many people don’t realise that accepting a lift from a learner – no matter how confident they are – means that, as a qualified driver, you are responsible for control of the vehicle.”
Decorating your car in Union Jack flags could also result in a £2,500 fine, reports the RAC.
The Road Vehicles Regulations Rule 30 states that drivers must have full view of the road and surrounding traffic at all times.
Should any part of your Jubilee accessories break this rule, then there are several times of fines you could receive.
If anything is blocking the front or rear view window, a driver could receive a £100 fine on the spot – which could rise to a £1000 fine and three points on your licence.
"However, the punishments don’t stop there," explains the RAC.
"No matter if your bunting is blocking a window or not – if it isn’t securely placed on your vehicle, then you could break Rule 53 of the regulations.
"This rule states that if anything attached to the car could Fall and strike another car, person or road user, then the driver is liable for another on the spot fine of £100 – which could increase to £2,500."
You could also receive three points on your licence or disqualification in the most serious cases.
