Millions of drivers could face fines of up to £2,500 for a simple mistake many make without even realising – driving with faulty windscreen wipers or not enough washer fluid.
With Storm Chandra set to bring heavy snow and wintry weather in the coming days, experts have warned motorists to check their cars before setting off, or risk penalties and points on their licence.
New analysis from MoneySuperMarket suggested drivers are currently at risk of breaking the law due to problems with their windscreen wipers or washer fluid levels.
Many drivers wrongly assume this is only an MOT issue, but the rules apply every time you drive. If stopped by police, motorists could be handed an on-the-spot fine and penalty points.
The warning comes as severe weather is expected to make driving conditions more hazardous, with snow, ice, road grit and salt all reducing visibility.
Experts stated the problem is far more common than most drivers realise.
Research looked at more than 815 million MOT records across Great Britain since 2005 and Northern Ireland since 2017.
The data revealed that 8.4 million vehicles failed their MOT because their windscreen wipers did not clear the screen properly or their washers failed to supply enough fluid.
In fact, insufficient washer fluid is consistently one of the top 10 reasons cars fail their MOT nationwide.
The legal requirement appears in The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
The law states that all fitted windscreen wipers and washers must be correctly adjusted and kept in good working order.
Drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for failing to ensure windscreens are clear and filled with fluid
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PAAlicia Hempstead, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained that many drivers remain unaware of just how serious the consequences of the easy mistake can be.
She said: “Regulation 34 of The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 is a little-known but important safety rule.
“It means drivers must not get behind the wheel without properly functioning windscreen wipers or fluid, crucial for visibility at any time of the year.”
She also warned that penalties can quickly add up.
“Breaking this rule could lead to a fixed penalty notice fine of £100, and you could also be faced with three penalty points,” Ms Hempstead said.
“Equally, you can fail your MOT for having no windscreen wash, which can lead to a maximum fine of £2,500 if you continue to drive the vehicle.“
Drivers can get fined for having an obstructed view on their windscreen | GETTY
While the rule applies all year round, winter is when drivers are most likely to run into trouble, the expert explained.
Snowfall, freezing rain and poor light conditions make it much harder to see clearly, while road salt and grit sprayed onto roads to prevent ice can rapidly coat windscreens in dirty residue.
She said: “While this regulation applies all year round, it’s especially important during the winter months, where the likelihood of severe weather is greater.
“Poor weather conditions, such as snow, can make visibility harder when driving and road safety measures, such as road salt spray, can stick to the windscreen, making the issue worse.”
The Highway Code instructs drivers to clear their windscreen before setting off | GETTY
MoneySuperMarket has now urged drivers to carry out basic checks before travelling during the cold snap.
This includes making sure wipers are not split or worn, that washer jets are not blocked, and that there is enough screenwash in the reservoir.
Ms Hempstead added: “Ensuring your windscreen wipers are working correctly and you have enough windscreen fluid, ideally winter-grade for this time of year, helps to improve visibility and keep everyone safer on the roads.”
Winter-grade screenwash is especially important, as it contains anti-freeze to stop the fluid from freezing in low temperatures.
Without it, drivers may find their washers stop working entirely when they need them most, the expert stressed.
Ms Hempstead stated driving with a dirty or obscured windscreen is not just illegal, but extremely dangerous – particularly as snow and ice begin to grip the country.