Many drivers could be at risk of penalty points when travelling to watch the England vs Argentina match at a pub or bar this evening, with a seemingly harmless celebration potentially landing many people in trouble14:43, 15 Jul 2026Updated 14:43, 15 Jul 2026Drivers are being urged to exercise caution around the England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final, which kicks off at 8pm this evening. With parts of the UK still in the grips of another record-breaking heatwave, many people are keen to escape the scorching temperatures of their homes in favour of an air-conditioned bar, pub, or even the cool of an evening beer garden.‌But some football fans could risk being slapped with an unlimited fine for their pre- and post-match celebrations if they engage in careless and dangerous driving, or break a specific Highway Code rule.‌There are some songs that have become quintessential football anthems among England fans, with Three Lions and Wonderwall often blasted loudly from cars travelling to and from games.‌But Highway Code Rule 148 states: “Safe driving and riding needs concentration.” It also urges people to “avoid distractions when driving or riding such as loud music” as “this may mask other sounds”.Breaking this rule could result in penalty points. Motoring expert Saul Turner of National Scrap Car said: “It will be incredibly tempting to turn Three Lions or Wonderwall up to full volume on the way to and from celebrating.“However, blasting music or turning it up can easily distract you and mask vital road hazards, such as emergency sirens. Being distracted by music and blocking other noises is a violation of Highway Code Rule 148, where you could face an unlimited fine and between three and nine penalty points for careless driving.‌Content cannot be displayed without consent“Save the loud celebrations for the pub garden, and keep the car volume low and non-distracting.”Highway Code Rule 148 also warns drivers to avoid “trying to read maps, starting or adjusting any music or radio, arguing with your passengers or other road users, eating and drinking, and smoking”.‌Similarly, Rule 112 of the Highway Code could also land drivers in hot water. It states you must only use your horn “while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.”It adds: “Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road, when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am, except when another road user poses a danger.”This means any post-match honking isn’t permitted.Article continues belowSaul Turner added: “Beeping the horn is the classic sound of a football victory parade, but drivers must not beep their horn during World Cup celebrations as it is a driving offence.“Rule 112 of the Highway Code states you must only use your horn while moving to alert other road users of your presence and to avoid potential dangers or accidents.“You must never beep your horn to celebrate a goal or match win with your passengers or other road users, as doing so you risk an unlimited fine and between three and nine penalty points for careless and inconsiderate driving.”