Experts have warned that drivers could face fines of up to £7,300 this week due to the hot weather – here are the six simple checks you need to know about
Experts have issued a stark warning that motorists could be hit with whopping fines of up to £7,300 as the UK continues to sizzle in the ongoing heatwave. Motoring expert at Dick Lovett caution that the side effects of a mini-heatwave can lead to serious visibility issues, with fines likely if drivers aren’t vigilant.
Everything from faulty wipers and depleted washer tanks to grubby windscreens could pose a risk for drivers in the mini-heatwave. Issues like these can rapidly result in dangerously impaired vision while driving, potentially leading to legal repercussions. However, experts suggest that road users could dodge these hefty charges by performing six simple checks.
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First off, drivers are advised to give their windscreen a thorough clean, both inside and out, before every journey. Dick Lovett stated: “Pollen, sap, and dust accumulate quickly and can cause dangerous glare.
“The Highway Code (Rule 226) mandates that your windscreen must be kept clear at all times, and if sunlight strikes 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 up, Dick Lovett warns that ineffective wiper blades are against the law and could see individuals slapped with fines up to £2,500 and receive three penalty points.
Running out of windscreen washer fluid might seem trivial, but the inability to clear a windscreen is a serious matter that could land motorists with a fine up to £100.
Temperature fluctuations can lead to small chips appearing on windscreens, and any damage over 10mm becomes a significant problem, reports the Express.
This could result in drivers failing their upcoming MOT test, with some car owners facing a hefty £2,500 fine for operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
Pollen and sap can adhere to the car’s bodywork, sometimes obscuring the headlamps at the front of a vehicle. Experts caution that road users could be hit with a £100 fine and up to three penalty points for defective lights.
Lastly, the lesser-known sunglasses rule is likely to trip up unsuspecting road users on warm spring days.
Regulations stipulate that drivers must ensure they wear appropriate eyewear, with a careless driving charge likely to be slapped on those deemed to be endangering themselves.
This could lead to an unlimited fine, with an average fee of around £1,065, not to mention penalty points.
Adding all these charges together could amount to a staggering £7,330 – a potentially crippling blow for cash-strapped Brits.
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