Football Flags, Scarves & Mascots: What Are the Rules for Cars?

We all know the feeling. Your favourite team is playing and it’s going to be a big one. It’s no wonder you want to celebrate in style by decorating your car with flags, scarves or mascots whether en route to the event or as a year-round support.

In this article, we’ll take you through options to get your car in the sporting spirit in a way that stays on the right side of the law. Having fun and showing your support is important, you just need to do it in a way that doesn’t endanger yourself or others on the road. 

Car decorations options

Travelling to a football match or other sports game is full of anticipation. It’s not uncommon to see scarves or flags fluttering in the breeze as cars drive by, or even a mascot affixed to the bonnet or bumper. 

Let’s take a look at the rules so you can steer clear of any problems. 

What are the rules on flags, scarves and mascots?

There are several road safety rules you need to be aware of which are outlined below: 

• Mascots: According to Regulation 53 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, mascots are not forbidden on vehicles. The following  are some rules and considerations: 
  • • No mascots, emblems or ornamental objects should be placed in a position where they have the potential to cause damage to pedestrians or motorists in the event of a collision. This means no protrusions, and sharp points or edges. (That’s why you don’t see Jaguar cars with the protruding cat decoration anymore.)
    • All mascots should be firmly affixed and should not obstruct the driver’s view out of windows or of mirrors. Interior mascots should also not obstruct the driver’s view. 
    • Even if your mascot is small and soft, if it’s permanently on display, your insurance provider may consider it a vehicle modification so it’s worth checking. 

• Flags or scarves: Flags and scarves are generally legal if they are fitted to the car in a safe manner. But what does that mean? 

• • Flags and scarves should not be so large that they obstruct the driver’s view, as outlined in Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. This means no flags on the windscreen at all, and careful placement on the rear window to ensure no obstruction to the view.  

• • No mirrors should be obscured in any way by a flag or scarf. 

• • Flags must not have the potential to be dangerous to pedestrians and other road users. For example, many insurance companies recommend that a flag should be no larger than size A4 to prevent them from blocking the view of other motorists should they detach. 

• • All flags must be securely fixed to the car to limit their risk of detachment in the wind. 

• • It may seem like an obvious one, but flags or scarves should not cover any number plates. 

Failure to adhere to these laws is considered an offence and can land you with a considerable fine, points on your licence and the invalidation of your insurance. 

What other celebratory options are there for cars?

Here are some other ideas for how to celebrate safely through your car decoration: 

• You can use vinyl stickers and magnetic signs in areas that are not obstructive to the driver’s vision. 
• You can also attach ribbons to cars. Make sure they are not too long ie so they cannot get caught underneath wheels or trapped under wipers. 
• If you want to go more old-school, then antenna toppers can be a fun way to show support.

As you can see from the above, there are plenty of ways to get in the match spirit while adhering to UK road laws. Checking your vehicle is in good shape before setting off means you should get there without any issues too. 

With over 50 years of experience, Mr Tyre is here to keep your vehicle roadworthy with comprehensive auto services. You can expect great prices, outstanding customer care and a complete approach that takes care of your vehicle. Pay a visit to one of our autocentres across Central England or contact our team today.