Urgent warning drivers could face £1k fine for common cleaning mistake – don’t get caught out
DRIVERS have been warned that they could face a £1,000 fine for not keeping their licence plate clean.
Motorists have a responsibility to make sure their number plates are visible at all times, or risk being pulled over and slapped with a "hefty fine".
Vehicle owners need to make sure that nothing obscures the plates, including ice and snow, after the recent weather.
Experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contacts issued the warning earlier this month.
They said: "It isn't just your roof or window screen that can land you a hefty fine if it is covered in snow.
"If you do not clear any ice or snow obscuring your front and rear number plate you could receive a fine of up to £1,000 from local authorities.
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"The law states that all number plates must be clearly visible. If it is obstructed it can affect your car being picked up by speed cameras or police checks."
The same reason is behind the recent ban on 3D and 4D number plates, as they can't be picked up by Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
ANPR is used to determine whether drivers have broken the rules of the road, as well as to check if cars are taxed or stolen.
A fine of up to £1,000 can be issued for driving with incorrectly displayed plates, while it could also cause the vehicle to fail an MOT.
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If you are caught driving without cleared windows, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.
And writing 'clean on me' on someone's car could get you a £2,500 fine.
Drivers must resist writing the quip on a car as the owner could claim you are scratching the paint and causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
Drivers were shocked after discovering they could get a £1,000 fine for using common 'thank you' gestures.
Rule 160 of the says: "Drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible.
"This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times."