Can I be fined for putting a bumper sticker on my car?
EVERYONE wants to be an individual, and that’s no different for those who own cars.
However, there are some things that motorists won’t be able to do with their shiny vehicles, and they can even face a fine for putting a bumper sticker on their windscreens. Here’s what you need to know.
Are car stickers legal in the UK?
Car stickers are generally allowed in the UK, but there are caveats that come with this.
The law provides specific guidelines regarding the surface area of windscreens, the amount of coverage allowed, and other practical aspects.
Essentially, it allows car decorations as long as they do not obstruct your view of the road.
This is the same rule for sat navs and window mounts as it is for windscreen stickers.
As a general rule, feel free to personalise your car, provided that you always maintain a clear view of the road both in front and behind you.
However, other laws apply to car stickers as well.
The law behind this particular guideline is Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
The regulation states that every motor vehicle must be designed so the driver always has a clear view of the road and traffic ahead.
Alternatively, vehicles can meet specific Community Directives, which fall under EU law.
All glass or transparent materials on the vehicle must be kept in good condition to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.
To be sure that your windscreen stickers don’t leave you paying a fine while you’re out and about, make sure they are installed away from the area directly in front of the driver’s seat.
Anything deemed to block the driver’s line of vision will lead to penalties and MOT failure.
If the police think a sticker is blocking your view, they can fine you £100 immediately.
Darren Miller
Car expert Darren Miller from BigWantsYourCar.com said: “Drivers need to know that covering up their view with things like ‘baby on board’ stickers can actually lead to big fines and other penalties.
“If the police think a sticker is blocking your view, they can fine you £100 immediately.”
Miller stated that this fee could increase to up to £1,000 with drivers also risking three points on their licence if they end up in court.
In more serious situations, drivers could be charged with dangerous driving, which might mean a fine of up to £5,000.
He said it was “really important to put these items in the right place to stay out of trouble”.
What isn’t allowed on car windscreens
Keep in mind that car stickers must follow certain rules.
For example, they should NOT:
- Obstruct your view through the windscreen
- Contain offensive or inappropriate imagery
- Cover the front or rear lights or licence plates
- Use copyrighted or trademarked logos without permission
- Include hate speech
- Be tinted decals
Using stickers that feature profanity or indecent images may attract police attention, potentially leading to discussions about “disturbing the peace” or violating public decency laws.
Avoid using reflective stickers, as they can pose a hazard by distracting or dazzling other drivers.
What is allowed on windscreens
Windscreen obstructions, like damage, are measured in two zones: A and B.
Zone A is the area directly in front of the driver and must be free of obstructions larger than 10mm in diameter.
Zone B covers the rest of the windscreen, where stickers, cracks, or chips should not exceed 40mm.
For rear windscreens, there are no specific zones, but the guidelines still require them to be kept clear of obstructions.
The driver must have a clear view through the rear window.
Large stickers, particularly opaque ones, can easily interfere with this visibility.
As stickers, decals, and car eyelashes are temporary, they generally won’t affect your car insurance.
However, it’s still a good idea to inform your insurer about them.
That said, it’s important to understand which modifications might affect your insurance.
Keep in mind, if you choose to make extensive modifications to your car, you should be ready for a potential change in your insurance premium.
Official stickers
For windscreen stickers that serve a purpose beyond decoration, it’s important to carefully consider their placement.
Official stickers, such as permits, disability badges, parking permits, vehicle licences, and manufacturer’s stickers, provide key information about the vehicle or driver.
Anti-theft stickers, typically placed in the lower left or right corner of the windscreen, are also issued by local authorities.
These stickers must follow the same rules as other obstructions – they should not significantly block the driver’s line of sight.
This guideline applies to both the front windscreen and the rear window.