Rashi Agarwal
Motorists have been warned that having a messy car could result in a £1000 fine.
Car cleaning buyer Jamie Louram, who works at Halfords, suggested that our cars should be 'clean' and 'tidy' for safety reasons.
Well, that goes without saying. We all keep sauces, old coffee cups, receipts, hair brushes and random pieces of clothing handy just in case we need them.
He advised keeping the footwells and dashboard of the vehicle clear, ensuring an unobstructed view through the windshield.
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Louram also emphasised having 'sparkling clean' mirrors because drivers could be fined for dirty windscreens, windows, or wing mirrors.
An owner could also be slapped with £1000 fine (in the UK) if the outside of the car is dirty, especially if it prevents visibility of your number plate.
“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 license if an accident occurs as a result," he told the Mirror.
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“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.”
He spoke about the presence of debris on the floor that can pose a safety hazard, as it has the potential to become lodged under the pedals and impedes proper braking functionality in the vehicle.
Louram said: “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.”
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He suggests equipping a car with both a car bin and a pack of wipes, as they are versatile for cleaning spills, and dirty hands, and enhancing the cleanliness of interior surfaces.
Additionally, maintaining an organised glove box is essential, ensuring that the stored paperwork remains relevant and useful.
Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations of 1986 reads: "All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road".
The Highway Code also states: "Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision."
The same goes for your car registration plate.
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A DVLA spokesperson said: "There is a specific offence under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 of obscuring or allowing a registration mark to be not easily distinguishable."