Well, not really.But police are warning drivers that anything considered to obstruct your view of the road – decorations in front of your rear-view mirror, stickers across your windscreen, for example – could earn you a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 points on your license!
An on-the-spot fine of £100 can also be given, and should the case be taken to court, it will rise to the dreaded £1,000 mentioned above. A £60 fine can be given simply if your vehicle is so messy as to be in ‘dangerous condition’.
To clarify: a dirty windscreen, large air freshener or fluffy dice is not illegal, but in line with the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act, drivers are breaking the law if their view of the road is obstructed in any way.
Road Traffic Law states that:
“No person shall drive or cause or permit any other person to drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot have proper control of the vehicle or have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.”
It’s due to this law that police must fine drivers whose vision is so dirty or obscured, it presents a danger to them and others.
The Highway Code also states the following: “Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.” This means that even having a dirty windscreen might be cause for police to pull you over.
The modern car can be filled with various devices and bits of tech – fans in the summer, sat-navs all year round, and don’t forget your phone charger and holder! But it’s important that none of these things obstruct your view, preventing you from making split decisions and avoiding any potential hazards as and when they occur. As a pco car hire driver, you always want to ensure you’re safe – which in turn, will keep other motorists as well as your customers safe.
