Driver warning – how you could be fined £100 for having a messy car – here’s how to avoid it

If you leave your car in real condition, you could face a hefty fine.

Drivers who let their engine become a small pigsty can endanger the safety of all passengers – and face a £100 fine.

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It is therefore important that you give your wheels a little care before hitting the road.

Jamie Louram, Halfords car wash buyer, has compiled some top tips on what to look out for – and how to avoid a fine and ensure your car is safe to drive.

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He said that while there is no penalty specifically for a messy interior, too much litter could fall under the careless driving rule.

If you are found to be driving without care and attention, local police can impose a fine of £100 and three penalty points.

More serious cases can go to court and result in a £2,500 fine and disqualification.

Jamie said it’s therefore important to keep your car clutter-free, particularly in the footwells, to prevent anything from getting caught under the brake pedal and on the dashboard that could obscure your view.

This also applies to everyone who takes their driving test.

Paul Turner said his 17-year-old daughter was “distraught” when she failed her test before even starting the engine because her car was “too dirty”.

The teenager had waited for the spot for months before she rocked to Blackpool Test Center but the examiner refused to even get in the car due to tiny rubber pencil shavings on the carpet under the passenger seat.

Jamie told The Express: “While there is no fine for a messy interior, if it’s bad enough, a mess can also fall under the careless driving rule, which can result in a fine of up to £100.

“In general, keep your car tidy to avoid dangerous situations, e.g. B. things getting caught under the brake pedal or blocking your view.

“If you tend to be messy about your car, a trash can is a great solution.”

And it’s not just dirty interiors that can get you in hot water.

Just as important is keeping the exterior of your vehicle sparkling clean.

“KEEP CLEAN AND CLEAR”

A dirty windscreen is not only dangerous, it can also be seen as negligent driving, which can result in a £100 fine and three points on your driving licence.

Mucky mirrors can also limit your vision, and you’ll be fined the same.

And obscured number plates can lead to fines of up to £1,000 if the digits are not clearly legible.

Jamie said: “It’s important to check that your mirrors are clean and clear every time you use your car as anything that might affect your vision makes driving dangerous.

“Any kind of dirt on the windshield can be incredibly dangerous as it can obscure your view of the road ahead.

“In some cases, a dirty windscreen could be seen as careless driving and land motorists with a fine of up to £100 and points on their driving license if it leads to an accident.

“Dirt can accumulate on the windshield over time, so wash it well to ensure visibility on the road is optimal.”

He recommended always having a pack of wipes on board to clean up spills quickly and to keep the glove box in good condition.

He also suggested installing a small trash can, regularly cleaning the trunk, or even adding a trunk organizer to avoid fines.