Drivers could be fined £100 if they have a messy car… here’s what you can do to avoid penalty
Drivers can be fined £100 for a messy car… here’s what you can do to avoid fines
Many Brits will admit that their cars aren’t exactly squeaky clean – from old coffee cups to chocolate wrappers, that extra hairbrush or magazine, it’s easy to build up a mess when a vehicle is used frequently.
But most motorists are not aware that they can be fined if their car is too messy, especially if the outside and inside are not clean enough to avoid distractions.
While there is no specific fine for having a messy car interior, too much litter can earn you a fine and three demerit points if you are found to be driving carelessly and attentively.
Last year, a 17-year-old learner driver burst into tears when her examiner rejected her for having small rubber pencil files on the carpet under the passenger seat of her instructor’s car.
A vehicle expert has now explained how to avoid a possible fine or even disqualification for particularly serious offences.
Most motorists will be willing to admit that their car is not as clean as it could be. Above: A car filled with rubbish can be seen in the US with only the driver’s seat free
Drivers risk a £100 fine if there is too much clutter in their car, including in the footwell
Jamie Louram, from Halfords, said: ‘Although there is no penalty for having a messy interior, if it’s bad enough, mess can also fall under the careless driving rule, which can lead to a fine of up to £100 .
“As a general rule, keep your car clear of clutter to avoid dangerous situations, such as things getting stuck under the brake pedal or blocking your view.
“If you tend to get messy when it comes to your car, a trash can is a great solution.”
In addition to potentially obstructing a driver’s view from windows or mirrors, litter can be a hazard if it becomes lodged under the pedals, potentially preventing the vehicle from braking properly.
He warned that it is vital to keep a vehicle free of clutter, especially in the footwell and also on the dashboard so that nothing obstructs the view through the windshield.
As for a car’s exterior, drivers can be fined for dirty windshields or windows if they interfere with visibility, and the same goes for wing mirrors.
Motorists can also be fined £1,000 if the numbers on a number plate are not clearly displayed – so even if drivers don’t clean the outside of their car often, they should ensure their number plates are regularly cleaned of dirt.
In 2021, footage was shared of a car in Clywd, Wales that was so dirty an MOT tester refused to work on it
Mr Louram added in the Express: ‘It’s crucial to check that your mirrors are clean and clear every time you use your car, as anything that can obstruct your view will make it dangerous to drive.
“Any kind of dirt or grime on the windshield can be incredibly dangerous as it can affect your view of the road ahead.
“In some cases, having a dirty windscreen can be seen as careless driving and motorists can be fined up to £100 and points on their driver’s license if it causes an accident.”
In 2021, footage was shared of a car in Clywd, Wales that was so dirty an MOT tester refused to work on it.
The interior was cluttered with rubbish and clothing, including in the driver’s footwell.
To keep things from getting so messy, experts recommend installing a small bin somewhere in the vehicle and even purchasing storage aids like trunk organizers.