Drivers slapped with £1k fine for a simple mistake – it takes seconds to fix

DRIVERS could be slapped with a £1,000 fine for a simple mistake that takes seconds to fix.

Motorists with dim or broken lights have severely restricted visibility that increases the likelihood of a crash.

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The Highway Code states that “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.

Failing to keep your headlights in a decent condition can affect its brightness, which can drastically impact your ability to see at night and during winter conditions.

To check your lights are in good condition, wait until its dark and point them at an even surface facing a wall.

Walk around to the front of your car and if one bulb is dimmer or blown, you’ll need to replace the bulb – or check that its not a wiring issue with your mechanic.

Screeching halt

Drivers can also face fines of up to £100 and three points for broken brakes with this common car fault.

Faulty brakes increases stopping distances and raises the risk of skidding, which makes a crash more likely.

Signs that a car’s brakes are dodgy include a vehicle warning light, unusual sounds like grinding or screeching, unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are pressed.

And a £100 fine can also be given to drivers with flat or damaged tyres, excessively tinted windows and faulty wiper blades.

The tell-tale signs of having a flat tyre is if your steering feels funny when you’re driving, or you’re slowing down for no reason, the RAC says.

You’ll hear a thud and a flapping noise if it’s a really serious puncture. Tyre valve issues could also result in a flat tyre.

Faulty windscreen wipers can also reduce your visibility, greatly reduce your reaction time and cause you to miss important warnings needed to stay safe on the road.

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Motorists can be charged with driving without due care and attention for this. Fines of up to £5,000, nine penalty points and a driving ban can be dished out in court for this.

Meanwhile, overdue MOTs, dimming or broken lights and missing catalytic converters can result in fines up to £1,000.

Cars older than three years will likely need an annual MOT.

You can check on the government website to find out when your MOT is due to make sure you avoid a fine.

A catalytic converter is part of your car’s exhaust system, and works to convert the toxic gases your motor produces into less harmful substances to be emitted.

If you don’t have a converter fitted, your car will produce emissions above the permitted standards, making it illegal to drive on the road.

Theft of these car parts have previously been on the rise in recent years as they contain a number of valuable metals, making them prized items for illegal scrap dealers.

But it’s hard to spot if you’ve had your catalytic convertor stolen as your car can work fine without it.

Drivers are ultimately responsible so can be fined up to £1,000 regardless.

20p solution

And worn tyre treads can get fines of up to £2,500. It means if you had four tyres with poor tread, that would mean you’d be fined a whopping £10,000 for the fault – and rack up 12 points on your licence.

The law states that cars, light vans and trailers must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Insert a 20p coin into a tyre’s groove to test tyre treads. If the rim of the 20- is visible, tyres need to be replaced of inflated.