The long, dry days of summer are in the rear view mirror and ahead lies the wet, windy and messy days of autumn and winter. And as the weather changes, motorists are being warned of a potential hazard that could cost them dearly.
As people drive on roads affected by rain, fallen leaves, and mud, there is a risk of splatter on their cars. And if it gets on the number plates and makes them hard to read, there could be fines dished out, Birmingham Live reports.
When driving through mud at speed, the splash can often result in dirty number plates. Having a dirty number plate can land drivers in trouble with the law if they are undetectable to ANPR cameras.
Failing to clear any dirt, ice or even snow as we approach winter obscuring your front and rear number plate could earn you a fine of up to £1,000 from local authorities. The law says all number plates must be clearly visible, as if it is obstructed it can affect your car being picked up by speed cameras or police checks.
Drivers are also warned of driving through puddles at speed and having insufficient tyre depth. Drivers will often race through puddles for the effect of it splashing on the windows, however, if someone happens to get splashed as a result, particularly if it is done with malice then there is a hefty fine as punishment.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to drive ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons'. The law also bans ‘driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed.
If found guilty, motorists can be slapped with a fine of up to £5,000, for behaviour deemed to be ‘an act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience, or aggressiveness'.
