Motorists could face a £1,000 fine this October for a simple issue many road users might miss: a dirty number plate. As autumn brings wetter conditions, puddles, water and mud become a bigger part of driving, leaving plates at risk of being covered.
Legal requirement for readable plates
It is a legal requirement for a vehicle's registration plate to be clearly readable at all times. Mud or water residue can easily stick to vehicles, and drivers found travelling with an obscured plate can be fined up to £100, rising to as much as £1,000 if the case goes to court.
Simon England, founder of GAP insurance provider ALA Insurance, said: "With more rain expected over the coming weeks, we'd urge drivers not to overlook something as simple as a dirty plate. It only takes a build-up of road spray or mud for a plate to become unreadable, and that's enough to land you with a fine. Fast roads and motorways throw up a back-spray of oily, muddy rainwater that coats the plate before you've even noticed."
Country roads and cleaning tips
England stressed that country roads were often the worst culprits, with uneven surfaces and potholes causing dirt to build up much quicker. He urged road users to always use a microfibre cloth to clean their vehicle and to avoid pouring harsh chemicals on the bodywork.
England added: "Loosen dirt and grit with water first, rather than wiping it dry, to avoid scratching the plate. By using a microfibre cloth as they are more gentle and won't scratch or cause damage."
"Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can sometimes damage the reflective coating on the plate, which ultimately affects the readability in the dark. I would also recommend when the weather gets colder to check for cracks as the cold can weaken the plate and you wouldn't want the plate to come off or snap."
