Drivers are being urged to remove ‘dangerous’ items from their cars or face a £1,000 fine.
According to the Highway Code, drivers must have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead when behind the wheel, with nothing obstructing their view.
This means drivers who have air fresheners and other car accessories hanging on their rear view mirror’s at risk of a £1,000 fine, three penalty points, or potentially even a discretionary disqualification. For commercial vehicle operators, such as bus and coach drivers, the fine increases to £2,500.
In more serious cases, drivers may be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving if their actions fall below the expected standard of a competent and careful driver.
Driving theory test expert Annie shared a warning on TikTok, asking her followers: “Can you tell me what’s the danger of having things hanging from your mirror? ” One user replied: “It will distract your attention. It will block your view.”
Another added: “Obstruction for observation you have to swivel your head to see cyclist and motorcycles.” A third user expressed concern, saying: “visibility will be poor and restricted hard to see obstructing your view.”
Echoing this, another added: “Blocking your vision so it’s not safe otherwise you can’t see oncoming vehicles.” Responding to the concerns, Annie emphasised the importance of unobscured driving views.
She said: “It’s important to keep windows clean and clear. Anything hanging in front of you can obstruct your vision so pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists could be hidden from view.
“You already have a reduced visibility because of the windscreen pillars on your vehicle. To see what is on the other side of your windscreen pillar clearly, you need to move your head to see either side of it.”
But the potential distractions don’t stop at air fresheners – as Sat Nav devices can also cause obstruction.
While not illegal to position in the centre of the windscreen, any impediment to the driver’s view can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points. If challenged in court, penalties may rise to up to £1,000.
The government warns that being caught with an obstructed view could not only incur fines but “you’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years”.
It adds: “You can get three penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle. You can also be taken to court where you can be banned from driving or riding, and get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).”
Halfords has issued crucial guidance for drivers, stating: “You should mount your Sat Nav in the bottom right corner of your windscreen to maximise your view of the road. If this isn’t possible, opt for the lowest point in the middle of the windscreen. Avoid placing the Sat Nav up high, as the cables can interfere with your vehicle controls. If you’re using your mobile phone as a Sat Nav, a car vent holder is great if you want to keep your windscreen clear”.