Experts have warned road users could be slapped with hefty fines of up to £7,300 as hot weather continues to roast the UK. Motoring specialists at Dick Lovett warned the side effects of a mini-heatwave can cause major visibility issues with fines likely if road users aren’t careful.
Everything from defective wipers and empty washer tanks to dirty windscreens could be a risk for drivers in the mini-heatwave. Problems such as these can quickly lead to dangerously reduced vision behind the wheel, which could see some individuals being hit with legal action. However, experts have suggested that road users could likely avoid the hefty fees through six simple checks.
Firstly, drivers have been told to clean their windscreen inside and out before every trip. Dick Lovett said: “Pollen, sap, and dust build up fast and can cause dangerous glare.
“The Highway Code (Rule 226) requires that your windscreen be kept clear at all times, and if sunlight hits a dirty windscreen and contributes to a crash, the driver could be prosecuted for careless driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988,.
“This offence carries an unlimited fine, which for the average UK person could mean a fine of up to £1,065, along with three to nine points or even disqualification.”
Next, Dick Lovett warns that ineffective wiper blades are against the rules and could see individuals fined up to £2,500 and receive three penalty points.
Running out of washer fluid may seem harmless, but being unable to clear a windscreen is serious and may see motorists fined up to £100. Temperature changes can cause small windscreen chips to emerge, with any damage over 10mm a serious issue.
This could see road users fail their upcoming MOT test, with some vehicle owners being slapped with a £2,500 fine for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Pollen and sap can stick to the car bodywork, sometimes covering headlamps at the front of a vehicle. The specialists warn that road users could receive a £100 fine and up to three penalty points for defective lights.
Finally, the little-known sunglasses rule is likely to catch out unsuspecting road users on hot spring days.
Rules state that drivers must make sure they wear the correct eyewear with a careless driving charge likely to be issued if road users are considered to be putting themselves in danger.
This can result in an unlimited fine with an average fee of around £1,065 on top of penalty points.
Adding all of these charges together would add up to £7,330 in a potentially devastating blow to cash-strapped Britons.
Full list of visibility checks during hot weather
- Clean your windscreen inside and out before every drive
- Replace faulty wiper blades
- Top up washer fluid and test your jets
- Check for chips or cracks
- Wipe your headlights too
- Keep sunglasses ready inside the car