Drivers risk £1,000 fine this winter with common licence plate mistake
DRIVERS have been warned not to let their number plate pick up too much snow and dirt - it could cost you thousands.
The winter months can bring some heavy snow, covering motorist cars all over.
Licence plates need to be readable when driving out on the Uks roads.
That's because the plate has to be clear to register with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Otherwise, a fine of up to £1,000 may apply.
Road chiefs previously urged Brit drivers to pick up a bucket and sponge when their licence plate gets too dirty.
Road safety firm GEM Motoring Assist said motorists should clean their plates regularly.
A spokesman said: “A number plate must be readable and not covered by dirt.
Most read in Motors
“This is to ensure a vehicle can be identified as and when required.
“At this time of year it’s easy for a number plate to get so dirty that it cannot be read.
"This is usually caused by muck on damp road surfaces that ends up on the rear of a car.
“The law is very clear when it comes to keeping your number plates clear; you risk a £1,000 fine if you allow it to become obscured.
“It makes sense to get into the habit of giving your number plate a regular wipe – every day when conditions require."
From de-icing windscreens before driving to minimising sun glare, there's plenty for car owners to pay attention to this season.
We've also advised drivers on the tips they should ignore this winter.
And we looked into a dangerous de-icing 'trick' which was slammed by the AA as "risky and expensive".