Drivers could face fines of up to £4.7k in sunny weather if little-known rules are ignored
Drivers have been warned that they could face thousands of pounds in fines when the weather turns sunny, if certain small details are ignored
As the UK’s climate edges ever closer into warm territory, despite the occasional threat of rain, more people will be tempted to make changes to what they wear in the car. However, some drivers may consequentially fall foul of rules in the UK’s Highway Code.
According to experts, drivers could face fines of up to £4,700 for breaking laws related to poor visibility or even cracked windscreens on their cars.
Speaking about the matter, one motoring expert said even the most experienced drivers could be caught out by such matters, and others may find themselves in trouble if they change their head decoration.
Said head decoration are sunglasses as, under Highway Code Rule 94, drivers are advised not to wear tinted visors or sunglasses if those accessories restrict their vision. Such obscuration could lead to a fine of up to £100.
Meanwhile, drivers could face a fine if they break Highway Code Rule 226 that states headlights should be used whenever visibility is reduced, not just at night, but including during high sun glare. This could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
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Regulation 30 says drivers should always have a clear and full view of the traffic and road ahead, this could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Furthermore, experts have also warned that drivers who fail to keep proper control of their vehicle could face a fine of up to £100.
Circumstances in which this could apply include not slowing down in reduced visibility conditions, including increased sun glare.
What’s more, breaching Regulation 30, driving with a cracked windscreen that impairs driver vision could lead to a fine of up to £2,500.
Speaking about the potential breaks, director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts Keith Hawes, warned that many drivers don’t understand how risk-filled the roads can be when they’re driving in bright sunshine.
He said: "Sun glare is one of the most underestimated hazards on the road. Even experienced drivers can be caught out by sudden bursts of bright light, especially during sunrise and sunset.
“Strong glare can dramatically reduce your visibility and reaction time, so taking simple precautions like keeping your windscreen clean, wearing polarised sunglasses, and increasing your following distance can make a huge difference to your safety.”
However, given the UK’s meteorological tendencies, the RAC has warned that drivers could face a fine up to £2,500 if their windscreen wipers are not working efficiently.
Under Regulation 34 it says all vehicles must be in a roadworthy condition with full functioning equipment, potentially resulting in a fine of up to £2,500.
