Drivers are being cautioned about the risk of substantial penalties if they fail to properly clean their windows and other vehicle components before taking to the road. Specialists at LeaseCar.uk alerted motorists to the fines associated with driving with an obscured windscreen caused by road salt and spray residue, a frequent issue during Britain’s harsh weather periods.

Winter remains infamous for being the messiest time of year on British roads, with salt, dirt, and mud building up quickly. In fact, a Met Office alert warns that Storm Chandra will bring bursts of heavy rain, expected to push across the region and fall on already saturated ground.

Regardless of whether there is a storm, neglecting to clear your windows or windscreen swiftly could lead to legal consequences, as this may block the driver’s view of potential dangers. Under the 1986 Road Vehicles Regulations, it is prohibited to drive a vehicle on public roads without complete visibility of traffic and the carriageway ahead.

The Highway Code similarly requires that a vehicle’s windows and windscreens remain clean and unobstructed for clear vision, highlighting the significance of routine cleaning.

Motorists who fail to preserve an unimpeded view of the road could encounter a £1,000 penalty, three points on their licence, and potential disqualification at the court’s discretion. For those driving goods and commercial vehicles, including buses and coaches, the penalty for an obstructed windscreen view may rise to £2,500, according to the Liverpool Echo, reports Devon Live.

In more serious instances, drivers could face charges of careless or inconsiderate driving if it can be shown that their driving standards dropped below what would be expected of a competent and careful motorist.