Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to ensure they have clean number plates on all their road journeys.
They risk a fine of up to £1,000 if their number plate is dirty and can’t be read easily.
GEM road safety officer Neil Worth says having a clear, legible number plate is vital. “A number plate must be readable and not covered by dirt,†he said. “This is to ensure a vehicle can be identified as and when required.
“At this time of year it’s easy for a number plate to get so dirty that it cannot be read. This is usually caused by muck on damp road surfaces that ends up on the rear of a car.
“Although there is no law against having a dirty car, the law is very clear when it comes to keeping your number plates clear; you risk a £1000 fine if you allow it to become obscured.â€
GEM is encouraging drivers to ‘clean their plate’ before every journey to ensure they comply with the law and steer clear of a substantial fine.
“It makes sense to get into the habit of giving your number plate a regular wipe – every day when conditions require,†continued Worth. “Do the same for your front and rear lights, and you will be doing your bit for safety during this risky time of year.â€