Banger rallies are incredibly cool, not to mention astonishingly fun. But what rules and regulations do you need to follow to take part?
Whether you’ve seen them on television or online, there’s no denying the pull banger rallies have in instantly making you want to take part. Here we breakdown everything you need to know about taking part in your first banger rally.
What rules do I need to follow to take part in a banger rally?
The main rule in a banger rally is quite simply that you shouldn’t race against your fellow contestants. The most common misconception about banger rallies is that they’re designed as a race. Those taking part have not entered to see if their banger can make it around the course in the quickest time, despite popular belief.
Some contestants often confuse banger rallies with banger racing. This cannot be emphasised enough. All participants are advised to drive safely and at all times obey the regulations for the country you are in (as a lot of Brits travel abroad for banger rallies). It is up to you to ensure you’re fully up to date with the driving requirements for the country in question.
What vehicle do I need?
There are not any general rules around which cars you can drive at a banger rally. Most rallies will have their own set of rules ranging from how expensive your car can be, whether entrants have to dress in fancy dress and how old the vehicle is, to name but a few. It’s always best to check the details with the event organisers before you enter the rally.
If you’re entering a banger, what you choose to spend on the car to make it roadworthy is up to you, as long as it is reasonable so the car still qualifies as a banger.
How do I dispose of the car?
If you intend on leaving your car at the end of the rally or in case of any eventuality en route, you must dispose of the car properly. This means either selling it, if it’s worth anything, or leaving it with a breakers yard. On no account should the vehicle be left on a street, in a car park or on private land.
What insurance do I need for my banger?
Your vehicle must have valid insurance, tax and MOT for the duration of the rally, as well as cover for your return journey if you plan to return home in it. Banger rallies will ask for proof when you register, so trying to trick the organisers will not only fail, but may see you issued a fine should they report you.
Do I need a special driving licence?
You will need a full UK driving licence if you intend to drive the banger. If you are driving abroad, ensure you are legally able to do so. Once again, you will have to hand over your driving licence before you can register for the event.
Adhere to normal driving laws
As mentioned above, a banger rally is not a race and entrants shouldn’t treat it like one. Think of it as a road trip, whether that’s here in the UK or abroad – the goal is simply to make sure your old banger finishes the course rather than focusing on how long it takes to complete.
Drive safely and respect the law of the country in which you are visiting. Bumping into or nudging other team cars, whether driving or parked, is strictly prohibited. Teams have put a lot of time, effort and money into getting their car ready and will not appreciate having their cars damaged.
Banger rally insurance deals
Now you know the rules and regulations, you will just need to sort out all the legal stuff such as MOT, road tax and insurance.
Sterling offers specialist cover for banger rallies from £95 per week – you only need to take cover for the length of the rally. Whether you’re planning to drive across the UK or further afield in Europe, call the experts at Sterling on 0344 381 9990 for a swift no-hassle quote.