Warning as drivers could be hit with £5,000 fine for not keeping your car clean

MOTORISTS have been warned to keep their car clean or risk being hit with a £5,000 fine.

It comes after new rule changes to the The Highway Code in 2022 sees Brits potentially facing penalties for previously allowed practices.

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According to The Highway Code, parts of your motor “must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision” or you could be slapped with a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

However, your case could also go to court and which could then see that penalty increase to a very costly £5,000.

To make matters worse you could receive up to nine penalty points if the court deem it appropriate.

Even in the case of an accident that isn’t strictly your fault, you could still be penalised if a court finds the outcome could have been lessened or prevented if you had a clearer view.

An AA spokesperson said: “Drivers have a legal responsibility to maintain their vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition.

“So if the windscreen is dirty to such an extent that it’s affecting their ability to drive safely, they could be fined.

“However, it’s easily rectified and easy to avoid through basic cleaning and maintenance.”

When driving, if your vision is obscured, you’re in breach of Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

Lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates must be kept clean and clear as well as windscreens and windows.

Other motor experts urged drivers to not expect to get away with a slap on the wrist.

Neil Greig from IAM RoadSmart said: “If a dirty windscreen is stopping you from driving safely then you should expect to be caught and charged.

“Not having clear vision in low sun situations is a really serious issue.

“If you don’t take a clear opportunity to keep your windscreen clean you will find the courts taking a very serious view and almost certainly increasing you sentence, fine or ban.

“It takes only a few minutes to wipe the screen on the inside and keeping your washer bottle topped up should be part of any basic regular car check.”

With summer approaching, motorists could also be hit with a £5,000 fine if they don’t use their air conditioning properly.