From hanging air fresheners to phone holders and decorative number plates, some of the most common accessories found in UK cars could leave motorists facing fines, penalty points or even insurance complications if they're used incorrectly.
To help drivers stay safe and avoid unnecessary penalties, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has highlighted three everyday car accessories motorists should check before getting behind the wheel.
Many drivers assume that if a car accessory is widely available to buy, it's automatically legal to use on the road.
In reality, whether an accessory is lawful often depends on how it's fitted and whether it complies with road traffic regulations. Items that obstruct a driver's view, interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle or fail to meet legal standards could result in fines or other penalties.
David Johnson, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, explains:
“Because many of these accessories are readily available online and in stores, drivers often assume they're legal to use. However, it's not the item itself that's usually the issue, it's how and where it's fitted. Taking a few moments to check your vehicle could help you avoid unnecessary fines and stay safe on the road”
Although they may seem harmless, hanging air fresheners can become a problem if they obstruct your view through the windscreen.
Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, drivers must have a clear view of the road ahead. If an air freshener or any other item hanging from the rear-view mirror restricts visibility, motorists could face:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Three penalty points
In some circumstances, an obstructed view could also affect an insurance claim if it's found to have contributed to an accident.
Using a phone holder is legal, but only if it's positioned safely.
A holder that blocks part of the windscreen or distracts the driver could be considered dangerous.
If police believe the device restricts your view of the road, drivers could receive:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Three penalty points
More serious penalties may apply if the obstruction contributes to careless driving.
Custom number plates have become increasingly popular, but not every design is road legal.
Features such as tinted covers, decorative borders, non-standard fonts or incorrect spacing can make registration plates difficult to read and may breach UK regulations.
Drivers using non-compliant number plates could face:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Confiscation of the number plate
To stay within the law, motorists should ensure their number plates comply with the legal requirements for font, spacing, size and visibility.
Most everyday car accessories are perfectly legal, provided they're fitted correctly and comply with UK road regulations. Before you set off, it's worth taking a few moments to check that your vehicle meets the legal requirements.
Drivers should:
- Make sure accessories don't obstruct the windscreen or reduce visibility.
- Position phone holders so they don't block the driver's view or cause distractions.
- Check that number plates comply with the legal rules on size, spacing and visibility.
- Use regulation-compliant accessories, particularly if driving a leased vehicle.
A quick vehicle check before every journey can help you avoid unnecessary fines, penalty points and potential insurance complications, while ensuring your car remains safe and road legal.
Originally posted: 2nd July 2026