Are flags and Christmas decorations legal on Australian cars?

Flags, antlers, red reindeer noses, even those tiny elf feet that hang from the boot – for many, novelty Christmas car attachments are the ultimate way of showing festive spirit out on the road. But are these Christmas car decorations legal?

For the most part, yes. But Aussie drivers and road users must ensure they abide by a host of rules in stemming from ADR 42/04 – General Safety Requirements and state roadworthy standards.

 

Which Christmas car attachments are considered legal?

As a general rule, Christmas stickers, magnetic decorations, or wraps are considered legal so long as they don’t restrict the driver’s view or cover or obscure number plates, lights and windows.

Festive ornaments like soft tinsel, bows, red noses or novelty reindeer antlers and Christmas decorations will generally pass muster provided they are securely attached, do not extend beyond the shape of the car in a way that they pose a hazard, and do not block visibility, lights, indicators or number plates.

Furthermore, external flags are considered safe to attach to your vehicle so long as:

• The flag is securely attached (not flapping loose or able to detach)
• The pole is short and does not stick out dangerously
• It does not obscure number plates, windows, or mirrors
• It is not large enough to blow into the windscreen or destabilise the vehicle
• It does not have sharp, hard, or rigid projections that could injure a pedestrian (ADR pedestrian safety rules)

Finally, it is also legal to transport a Christmas tree or a similar load provided the tree is properly secured (on the roof or in the tray area if driving a ute) with relevant ropes or straps, does not make the vehicle unstable or protrude past the permitted overhang, and does not obstruct lights, indicators or number plates.

Which Christmas car attachments are illegal?

A perusal of the relevant state and territory websites reveals that decorative lights on the outside of the vehicle are universally banned. This includes fairy lights, LED strips and non-standard lights.

According to authorities, these Christmas lights have the potential to dazzle other road users and potentially cause an accident or interfere with the vehicle’s required lighting.

External lights will attract even more unwanted attention if they are seen to use red and blue hues, as this runs the risk that people perceive your car as a police or emergency vehicle – a criminal offence under the Crimes Act 1900, which carries a maximum jail term of two years.

Also ensure your Christmas car attachment does not:

• Obstruct number plates
• Protrude dangerously (sharp edges, risk to pedestrians)
• Create a hazard for other road users
• Come loose while driving
• Obstruct the driver’s view, block windows or mirrors, or obscure number plates/indicators/lights

Christmas content offers a timely remind to stay safe out on the roads this festive season, and be courteous and respectful of other road users.

The Christmas season traditionally marks one of the worst periods in road user deaths in Australia, coinciding with high police presence and double demerit points in some states.

A recent NRMA Index survey found almost half of Australians are planning on taking a family holiday this Christmas, adding more weighting to calls to be vigilant and safe out on our roads.