A motoring specialist is advising drivers to make sure their car number plate remains spotless during the winter months to avoid hefty penalties. It’s common knowledge that vehicles get dirtier faster in the harsher weather conditions, with salt and wet roads contributing to the grime.
However, LKQ Euro Car Parts’ expert highlighted the importance of having a visible number plate, stressing: “The number plates on your vehicle should be legible at all times, and drivers caught with an obstructed plate could receive a fine of up to £1,000. Something as simple as a build-up of dirt and dust can block the letters and numbers, so it’s important to clean your vehicle regularly to ensure your number plate is always visible.”
Dirty or obscured plates violate the Highway Code as they prevent other road users, authorities, and traffic cameras from identifying the vehicle. Drivers can be penalized with fines up to £1,000 and three points on their licence if caught by the police or Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras with such an offence, reports the Express.
Nevertheless, LKQ Euro Car Parts reassures car owners that keeping the entire car pristine isn’t necessary. All motorists need to do is wipe their number plate and it should keep them within the law’s requirements.
They advised: “If you don’t have time to clean your whole vehicle, make sure to check your numberplate on a regular basis and give it a quick wash down with a sponge and some soapy water so it remains legible and within regulations. This should only take a minute or two, and can mean you avoid a hefty fine.”
In line with cleaning other parts of your car, they recommend using warm, soapy water for the number plate and steering clear of harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic. Drivers do not need to buy any expensive cleaner or products to get the plate sparkling.