England fans face hefty fines for improperly displaying flags on cars during Euro 2024

England are through to the Euro 2024 final after 2-1 win against the Netherlands last night. No English men's team has made it to a major final on foreign soil before and now they have the chance to become European champions for the first time.

England are into their second successive European Championships final after substitute Ollie Watkins came off the bench to win it against the Netherlands. The Three Lions will face Spain in the Berlin showpiece on Sunday after La Roja came from a goal down to beat France in their Munich semi-final on Tuesday evening.

But if you're planning on supporting the Three Lions this week by displaying some St George's flags on your car you may want to think twice to avoid being slapped with a hefty fine.

Football fans who decorate their vehicles with St George's flags in support of England's bid for victory a Euros 2024 win could find themselves facing arrest and a hefty fine.

Incorrectly attaching a flag to a car can breach several laws. An unsecured emblem, for instance, could be seen as an unsecured load, leading to an immediate £300 fine or a court appearance where the penalty could rise to a whopping £2,500.

Driving with a flag that obstructs the driver's view is considered an offence of obstructed vision, carrying a £100 fine and penalty points, while attaching England memorabilia to number plates could result in a £1,000 fine.

Any attempt to obscure registration plates from the UK's 11,000 automatic number plate recognition cameras is taken very seriously by police, warn motor insurance experts.

Ian Lowdon, from London-based Zego Car Insurance, commented: "Driving with flags is a tradition. But too much enthusiasm combined with too little knowledge can spell trouble.It's crucial to understand the legalities to avoid unwanted penalties."

The company has even produced a guide for fans on how to safely fly flags.

It advises that no banner should exceed the width of your vehicle, warning that if it is too large it can obscure your vision or that of other drivers.

It suggests: "Opt for smaller flags that fit within your car's limits. They are less likely to create blind spots or get blown away. Flags should be securely attached to the vehicle as loose ones can fly off and `become a road hazard leading to accidents or causing disruptions'."

Flags should be securely fastened to the vehicle as loose ones can become a road hazard, leading to accidents or causing disruptions, so using a proper flag mount is advised.

The guide states: "Under no circumstances should flags obstruct the driver's view. This includes impairing visibility both directly and through mirrors."

Flags should not cover your number plates. This is crucial as obscuring the plates is illegal and can bring hefty fines. "Before you drive off, double-check that none of your flags cover any part of your registration plates.

A company spokesman said: "The excitement of the big game, the final whistle, your favourite team clinching victory. Naturally, you want to celebrate. You drape yourself in the team's colours, turn up the radio and drive around town with a football flag fluttering from your car. This is a scene repeated countless times across the UK.

"But laws can turn this joyous ride into a costly mistake. In the heat of football fever it's easy to forget that displaying flags on vehicles is subject to specific rules.

"What seems like harmless fun could land you a hefty fine. While celebrating your team's success it's important to keep road safety at the forefront.

"What starts as a celebration could quickly sour if you aren't mindful. A misplaced flag can lead to fines that eclipse the joy of a win.

"Driving flags are an extension of your celebration, a sign of unity and joy. Let's keep it that Understand the rules, follow them, and enjoy the victory dance safely."