Drivers with England flags looking to celebrate St George's Day today are being warned that they could be slapped with huge fines.
Today, Wednesday, April 23, marks St George's Day, with millions around the country planning to celebrate English culture.
Some people may attend street parties or watch Morris dancers in their local areas, but could find themselves falling foul of road rules.
When celebrating their national pride, drivers should refrain from hanging flags from their car windows or they could distract other road users.
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Drivers could be slapped with fines if they travel with England flags on their cars during St George's Day
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While small clip flags adorning windows are unlikely to cause a major distraction, large flags hanging from the bonnet, the roof or the boot of the car could cause issues.
These flags could easily come loose and obscure the vision of other road users. They could also be a hazard if they fall onto the road into oncoming traffic.
Drivers wanting to avoid any potential fines or issues when displaying their flags should attach them in a safe and secure manner.
Large flags could obscure the vision of other drivers, which could potentially contravene Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
Regulation 57 of the same guidance could be broken by a motorist if "mascots, emblems or other ornamental objects" are attached to the car and distract other drivers.
The Regulation states that objects, including flags, should not be positioned in places where they could "strike any person" in other vehicles or pedestrians.
Graham Conway, from Select Car Leasing, warned that drivers could be slapped with a £1,000 fine for dangerous or inconsiderate driving.
He added: "It's important to make sure the driver’s vision is never impaired by anything you attach to your vehicle.
"Not only could it risk causing an accident, but it could also hit you in the pocket.
"If you’re planning on flying a flag or attaching a mascot to your motor, make sure it can’t pose a risk to you or anyone else."
Towns and cities across the country will continue the St George's Day celebrations throughout the day and over the course of the coming days.
A Government spokesperson said: "There is no specific law against flying a flag from your vehicle.
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"We would simply encourage motorists to use their common sense to ensure their vision of the road isn't impaired, and that it doesn't jeopardise the safety of other road users.
"We shouldn't hide our national flags which are a source of pride and identity."
