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Drivers warned they could face fines of £100 for having a messy car
It turns out those empty packets littering the footwell aren’t as innocent as you once thought…
Those with cluttered cars may want to have a spring clean as the mess could very well land them with some hefty fines.
While there is no specific law requiring drivers to keep their vehicles clean and tidy, there are standards in place to ensure the mess doesn’t unknowingly result in a hazard.
And, if the mess or dirt in a vehicle becomes a safety hazard and poses a risk to someone’s ability to drive, it is against the law.
Yep, some drivers are just that messy.
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If these culprits are caught driving ‘without due care and attention’, police can dish out a £100 fine on the spot, as well as three penalty points to the drivers’ licence.
But a more serious claim could send the driver to court with a £2,500 fine or, in worst case scenarios, even a driving ban.
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Halfords car cleaning buyer, Jamie Louram, 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.”
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Jamie added that it’s crucial to check that mirrors are ‘clean and clear’ as any dirt which is obstructing your view could be dangerous.
He explained: “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.”
He concluded: “If you do tend to err on the side of messy when it comes to your car, a bin is a great solution.”