Highway Code rule could see you fined £1,000 if your car is dirty

Drivers are being warned they could be hit with hefty fines if their cars are not kept clean. While a filthy car might attract disapproving looks from the neighbours, having a dirty windscreen could prove far more serious.

Experts at LiquidTech are now urging drivers to keep their vehicles clean inside and out or risk being hit with hefty fines and penalty points. As per Annex 6 of The Highway Code: "windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision", so if your dirty windscreen were to obstruct your vision, you could be fined £1,00 and hit with three penalty points.

And if your number plate is so dirty it can't be read properly, this could also result in a similar punishment. It's not just the car's exterior you need to worry about either, as loose rubbish inside vehicles can get caught under a pedal causing the driver to lose control.

According to a spokesman from LiquidTech, there is no specific law that requires you to keep your car clean, but driving a dirty car can get you in trouble if it’s a hazard or makes it difficult to drive.

He said: “Despite the risks, there are thousands of drivers out there who are oblivious to the hot water they could find themselves in if they let their car get too dirty. Drivers might be shocked to receive a £1,000 fine if the letters and numbers of a number plate can’t be read clearly.

“While a windscreen that is significantly obscured by dirt could see someone pulled over by the police. It’s easy to let the dirt build up as it can happen so quickly during the winter months, but we don’t want motorists to fall foul of the law and pick up hefty fines and penalty points.”

“As well as the number plate and windscreen, we recommend keeping head and rear lights clean along with mirrors inside and out. And don’t forget the interior too, as not only does having a clean car inside and out feel great, but it also means there will be no loose items that can hamper you while driving."