Motorists could face penalties of up to £1,000 this autumn if they fail to remove leaves from their vehicle’s windows and windscreen.
The hefty fine applies under Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which requires drivers to keep all windows clear of obstructions.
The fines come after experts issued a warning about this often-overlooked regulation as autumn brings increased leaf fall across the UK.
The rule mandates that motorists must ensure complete visibility through their windscreen and windows before beginning any journey.
The regulation applies to any obstruction that could impair a driver’s view, with autumn leaves presenting a particular seasonal hazard that many motorists might dismiss as trivial.
“A build-up of leaves on your car might not seem serious, but they can massively obstruct your visibility,” explained a representative from BigWantsYourCar.com.
The car valuation specialists emphasised that motorists must remove leaves from their windscreens, windows and bonnets prior to driving.
The spokesman said: “Under Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, drivers must ensure all windows are free from obstructions.
“Failing to clear leaves from your windscreen could compromise your safety and result in a fine of up to £1,000.”
Drivers can be fined under Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) law
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The experts cautioned that leaving such debris on vehicles “can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of accidents.”
They stressed the importance of thorough vehicle checks before setting off during the autumn months.
Beyond the risks posed by leaves on vehicles themselves, autumn foliage creates additional dangers on the roads.
“Wet leaves can be just as dangerous as large puddles, making the road slippery and unsafe,” cautioned the spokesman.
The car valuation experts advised motorists to exercise particular caution when encountering leaf-covered road surfaces.
“If it is safe to do so, avoid them altogether and reduce your speed when you spot these patches,” they recommended.
Experts also warned that damp autumn leaves can also significantly reduce tyre grip, creating treacherous driving conditions similar to those encountered during heavy rainfall.
Drivers can get fined for having leaves on their windscreen
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GETTYThese hazardous patches often accumulate in shaded areas where moisture lingers, making them particularly dangerous during morning and evening commutes.
Road safety experts have identified another autumn hazard that compounds the danger for motorists.
“A pothole can be concealed under a pile of leaves, which makes it doubly hazardous,” the experts warned.
This hidden threat poses significant risks to vehicles and drivers alike.
“Drivers need to approach these areas with extra care to avoid costly repairs and unnecessary risks,” the experts advised.
Leaf-covered potholes present a particularly insidious danger as motorists cannot assess the depth or severity of road damage beneath the foliage.
Autumn leaves can obstruct road visibilities for drivers
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PALaw enforcement authorities have also begun taking these visibility regulations seriously, according to the automotive experts.
“If your windscreen is obscured, you are not in full control of your vehicle. Officers can issue fines on the spot, and in some cases, it could even be classed as careless driving,” BigWantsYourCar.com’s spokesperson explained.
Police officers have the authority to stop vehicles with obstructed windscreens and issue immediate penalties.
The enforcement extends beyond simple fines, as severe cases of impaired visibility could lead to prosecution for careless driving offences.
This stricter charge carries more serious consequences, including potential driving bans and higher financial penalties.