Football fans are being warned they could face fines or points on their licence if they do not follow an unexpected rule surrounding the England flag.
Seeing the St George’s Cross stuck to the side of a car is a common sight, especially during an international football tournament.
However, football-loving motorists are being warned to adhere to specific regulations when it comes to decking out their vehicles.
If any flag is displayed in such a way that it could cause an obstruction to the driver’s vision, then the person driving could land in hot water.
An England flag displaying from a car window
PA
Any flag that is put up must not obstruct the driver’s view of any windows or rear-view mirrors, as this could lead to accidents on the road.
Drivers also need to consider whether your flag will obscure another driver's vision on the road.
A waving flag on the back of your car could obscure the view of the vehicle behind you. Alternatively, it could also be an unnecessary distraction for other drivers on the road. If the police deem the flag on your vehicle to be unsafe in any other way they have the right to remove it.
In some cases, any of the above offences could land you with a fine up to £1,000, or potentially three points on your licence. Prior to the laws being relaxed in 2010, it was possible to receive a fine of up to £2,500 for a flag-related faux pas.
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As the flag is displayed entirely within the homeowner's property limits, it can be shown in any way
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Planning permission is not required to display the flag of any nation on your own property, including the St George’s Cross.
As a general rule, as long as the flag is displayed entirely within the homeowner's property limits, it can be shown in any way.
However, if a flag on property partially covers a neighbours’ windows, then the neighbour has the right to ask the homeowner take the flag down, or move the flag to a different part of the property.
If the homeowner refuses, then the neighbour may have the right to report you to the local planning enforcement officer.
A view of Nike's designed St George's Cross on the back of the collar
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It comes after Nike received backlash after they changed the colour of the St George's Cross flag on the England football shirt.
The American sports design company said that their design was done to celebrate the successes of 1966.
A spokesperson from the company said: "We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and understand the significance and importance of the St George’s Cross and it was never our intention to offend, given what it means to England fans.
"Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements. The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple. The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar."
A Government spokesperson said: “There is no specific law against flying a flag from your vehicle. 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. We anticipate that streets, cars and houses will be decorated with England flags during the Euros football tournament this summer.”
