Drivers Could Be Fined For Having A Messy Car

Drivers are being warned they could be hit with a fine if their car is too messy.

While there’s no specific rule against having your car like a tip - if it becomes too cluttered or filthy that it poses a potential risk to your ability to drive then you might be in trouble. 

And it’s not just your empty takeaway boxes and half filled bottles of water - the rule also covers the cleanliness of your car.

If your mirrors or windscreen is too filthy to use, you could be hit with a similar fine, and an obscured number plate can also incur a fine, if it’s so dirty the numbers or letters can’t be read clearly.

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If you’re found to be driving without due care and attention, police can give you a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence. If it’s a more serious case, you could end up hauled before the courts where you’ll face a £2,500 fine or even a driving ban. 

Jamie Louram, Halfords car cleaning buyer, told the Express: "Whilst there is no fine for having a messy interior, clutter if bad enough can also fall under the careless driving rule leading to a fine of up to £100.

"As a general rule, keep your car clutter-free to avoid any dangerous situations such as things getting stuck under the brake pedal or blocking your view.

"If you do tend to err on the side of messy when it comes to your car, a bin is a great solution." 

Jamie added: "It’s crucial to check that your mirrors are clean and clear every time you use your car, as anything that may obstruct your vision will make it dangerous to drive.

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"Any kind of dirt or grime on the windscreen can be incredibly dangerous as it can impact your view of the road ahead.

"In some instances having a dirty windscreen could be seen as careless driving and land motorists with a fine of up to £100 and points on the licence if an accident occurs as a result.

"Grime can build up on the windscreen over time, so give it a good wash to ensure visibility is at its optimum whilst out on the roads."