Eight million real outdoor and indoor Christmas trees are sold in the UK every year - but motoring experts have warned driving them home could land you with a £5,000 fine. A new nationwide survey by The AA reveals 25% of drivers plan to transport a Christmas tree by car or van this festive season - yet 91% are unaware how they do it could be breaking the law.
In fact, 15% of us do not understand the full breadth of consequences of doing this incorrectly which, if causing dangerous driving, can even include a driving ban. From obstructed views to loose loads, unsafe tree transport doesn’t just risk damage to your vehicle - it could cause some serious danger to other road users.
Now The AA have drawn up an eight-point list of the most common tree transport blunders that you could get a motoring fine for when bringing home your Norwegian pine.
So what are the motoring rules we could be at risk of breaking?
Rule 98 of The Highway Code states that: "You must secure your load and it must not stick out dangerously. Make sure any loads are properly fastened and that they do not obscure your view or vehicle lights."
But despite this clear guidance, many motorists continue to make costly mistakes each December.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, explains: "Every year we see trees that are far too big for the car, tied on with bits of string or poking out of the boot. Not only can this damage your vehicle, but it also creates a genuine safety hazard if the tree blocks your view or falls off mid-journey.
"Even if you think it’s just a short trip home from the garden centre, an unsecured load could cost you thousands in fines or worse, cause a collision."
The most common tree transport blunders:
1 - Tying trees directly to the car roof without roof bars or proper straps
2 - Driving with the boot open and the tree sticking out
3 - Obscuring mirrors or the rear view with branches
4 - Covering lights or number plates with branches
5 - Using flimsy twine instead of ratchet straps or correctly fitted bungee cords
6 - Failing to check that the tree’s weight is within the vehicle's roof limits
7 - Failing to safely secure the tree inside the cabin which cause internal damage
8 - Failing to consider overhead hazards such as low bridges
How you could be prosecuted:
For insecure loads or obstructed vision (Highway Code Rule 98): £100 on-the-spot fine and 3 penalty points.
For driving without due care and attention (Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 3): Fine of up to £5,000 and 3–9 penalty points.
For dangerous driving (Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 2A): Driving ban, requirement to retake your test, and a potential custodial sentence.
For causing injury or damage due to a loose load: Potential insurance invalidation and liability for damages.
Shaun advises drivers: "If your tree won’t fit comfortably inside, use roof bars and secure it with strong ratchet straps.
"Always place the tree in netting with the trunk facing forward to reduce wind resistance and protect branches. Double-check that it’s not obstructing your mirrors, lights, or number plate before setting off.
"Remember these three steps before transporting the tree: Check your load: Ensure your tree is securely tied down before driving; Drive gently: Avoid sharp braking and sudden manoeuvres when carrying a load and Plan for overheads: If transporting the tree on the roof, check your route before setting off for any overhead obstructions.
"If you’re in any doubt, ask the staff at the garden centre to help you secure it. Alternatively, some companies offer a local delivery service for a fee - for peace of mind this might be a sensible option."