The spirit of Christmas is priceless, but experts have warned that you could face a festive fine for one reason.

18:53, Fri, Nov 21, 2025 Updated: 18:55, Fri, Nov 21, 2025

Christmas tree

Drivers are being encouraged to ensure they bring Christmas trees home correctly (Image: Getty)

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As millions of Britons prepare to buy Christmas trees for the festive season, they are being urged to ensure they bring them home correctly or risk being fined. An expert has warned motorists could face repercussions, including hefty fines of up to £5,000, if they fail to secure the trees in the right way.

According to car insurance firm Tempcover, this stems from two main breaches of the Highway Code; an insecure load and obstructed vision. It warns that failing to properly secure any load — Christmas trees included — can be deemed as careless or dangerous driving, and a breach. This can lead to drivers being stung with penalties such as fines of up to £5,000, penalty points and also invalidate insurance if a loose tree contributes to a collision, Tempcover said. 

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Christmas tree fully decorated.

Millions of Christmas trees are bough in the UK every year (Image: Getty)

Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, says: “The spirit of Christmas is priceless, but the penalty for an insecure tree isn’t.  

“Our advice is simple: ensure your tree is secured to legal standards and your vision is unobstructed. By doing so, you maintain the validity of your insurance, protecting your financial peace of mind. 

“And if your vehicle isn’t up to the task, use temporary insurance to legally borrow a suitable van or larger vehicle that can handle the load safely.”

Drivers are encouraged to secure their Christmas tree tightly to a roof rack on their car.

It is recommended strong ratchet straps are used, with the trunk end of the tree facing the bonnet.

This position prevents branches from catching the wind and losing the straps, according to Tempcover.

If placing a tree inside the car, people are urged to place it trunk-first and use the car’s anchor points — or seatbelts if anchor points are unavailable — to secure it.

Tempcover warns fixed penalties of up to £100 and three points on your licence can also be issued if a tree obstructs a driver’s view.

Punishments can be significantly greater in more serious cases, the experts say.

People are also being told to be careful of the weight and size of the tree to avoid overloading their cars.

Other tips for taking a tree home include ensuring it has been netted and driving more slowly than usual.