Jellycat popularity has gone through the roof this year, and as a result, people are finding innovative places to put them. But an expert warned you may be slapped with a £2,500 fine for one place
Jellycat plushies have been a huge 2024 obsession – and many people will be looking forward to receiving one (or several) for Christmas.
One specific design that people simply cannot get enough of is the ‘fabulous fruit cherry,’ and they’re currently sold out on Jellycat’s website. But if you’re lucky enough to be the recipient of them on December 25, there’s one place you should definitely avoid storing them – or you may face a whopping £2,500 fine.
Social media has recently crowned the cherries the perfect Jellycat to pop in your car, with TikTok user @elleandmichael writing: “This is your sign to put Jellycat cherries in your car.”
The video, which amassed 1.1 million views, is certainly inspiring others to follow suit if they can get their hands on the popular plush. Some left comments like “I’m obsessed” and “I’m definitely doing this”. Another woman even penned: “I have the Jellycat tomatoes on mine”.
“Why didn’t I think to use a hair bobble? I used cable ties for mine”, someone admitted, and Elle replied: “Way easier to remove with a hair bobble, and then you can change which Jellycat you hang up”. Others shared the “Marshmallows would be so cute”.
But if you’re one of the people seriously considering putting Jellycats in the car, or you already have them on your front mirror, you may want to think again and just keep them in your home, as Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, warned you might be stopped while driving.
Keith said:It’s common for many drivers to feel inspired by viral trends. However, it is paramount that drivers prioritize their safety and visibility on the road rather than fashion and social media trends. With Jellycats trending as a popular Christmas gift this year, drivers are advised to keep cuddly toys out of their cars to ensure road safety.
“Drivers who obstruct their view when driving not only increase their risk of accidents on the road but also put themselves liable to high fines and penalties.”
The government website shares when it comes to “view to the front and windscreen obscuration”, it’s important “every motor vehicle shall be so designed and constructed that the driver thereof while controlling the vehicle can at all times have a full view of the road and traffic ahead of the motor vehicle”.
According to the Highway Code, windshield and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision; otherwise, you could be fined £2,500 and receive three points on your license – and depending on what you’ve done to customize your car, you may also invalidate your insurance. So, yes, Jellycats are utterly adorable. But it’s not worth putting them in your car.