A motoring expert has issued a warning to UK drivers this summer over a common mistake that could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Spring is finally underway with temperatures of up to 19 degrees predicted this week across the nation.
With the warmer weather comes the dreaded 'pollen bomb', as tree pollen levels peak between late March and early September.
It's a problem for hay fever sufferers with symptoms ranging from a runny nose and sore eyes to an itchy throat.
But it's also a little-known issue for drivers.
According to the UK Highway Code, drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for having a dirty windscreen on the roads.
It's more common than you think in the spring, too. Despite looking harmless, pollen can leave your car covered in a fine dust, which can damage the car's clog filters, make the windscreen streaky, and even trigger allergies.
"Pollen covering the windscreen is considered an obstruction to vision, which goes against safety regulations," Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explains. "Under the Highway Code, drivers must always ensure they have an unobstructed view of the road.
"Failing to do so by allowing pollen to build up and cause streaks, could see drivers face a £1,000 fine and three penalty points, as it’s treated the same as driving with a damaged or obstructed windscreen."
So, how can you protect your car windscreen from pollen? Find out more below.
Is pollen dangerous for drivers?
According to Hawes, pollen can be a lot more dangerous on the roads than you think due to reduced visibility, dulled headlights, and the risk of hay fever.
"Humid nights and early morning dew causes pollen to cling to glass," Hawes explains. "Once pollen dries, it can easily be smeared by windscreen wipers and leave streaks that significantly reduce a drivers' visibility.
"This is particularly dangerous during the summer months as these streaks can reduce how much drivers can see on bright days and intensify glare when the sun is low, dazzling drivers."
Hawes also emphasises that pollen can dull headlights, which can make driving in the dark difficult.
"Pollen can settle on headlight and taillight lenses, forming a light film that reduces brightness," he adds. "In bright summer conditions, this small reduction in clarity can make it harder for drivers to see and be seen, especially at dawn or dusk when visibility is already compromised."
There's also the risk of hay fever, which can cause drivers to sneeze or have irritated eyes on the road.
Does pollen stain cars and how can you protect the windscreen?
Pollen can have more of a lasting impact than you realise.
According to Halfords, pollen can stick to paintwork, mix with rain water to create a stubborn film, and even scratch the car if wiped off dry.
If your car is parked outside overnight, it's recommended that you wipe down the windscreen, mirrors, and headlights every morning to clear pollen and debris.
It's also important to check your washer fluid is topped up to avoid smearing and to replace cabin air filters frequently to reduce the risk of allergens entering the car.
From windscreen cleaners and covers to car cabin filters, shop our top products below.
Shop our favourite products:
Bosch R2598 Activated Carbon Cabin Filter
It might be worth changing your car's cabin filter to prevent pollen coming in, which can cause allergies. The Bosch Activated Carbon Cabin Filter captures pollen and fine dust to keep air quality inside the car clean.
£14.89
Autoglym Fast Glass
One of the bestselling windscreen cleaners on Amazon, Autoglym Fast Glass is designed to clear the windows of any debris, pollen, and bugs without leaving streaks. One five-star review reads, "This always lives in my car, along with an old tea towel, and gets used regularly to remove squashed bugs, bird mess and smears from my windscreen. It lasts a long time and does exactly what the makers claim."
£11.49
£8.95
Infinity Wax wet gloss sealant
If you're concerned about pollen scratching the paint surface, the Infinity Wax spray is designed to repel water, dirt, and road grime for up to three months.
£12.99
Goodyear quilted car windscreen cover
Described as a 'life saver' by customers, the Goodyear windscreen cover can be used in all seasons. Come summer, it will not only stop the sun beating down on the driving wheel, but will keep pollen off the windscreen.
£14.99
Danielle Fowler