Drivers warned of common rain error which could land you £2,500 fine

05 November 2023 , 07:00

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If a drivers windscreen wipers are not working correctly, then they could face a fine of £2,500 (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Drivers are being warned of an issue which could land them with three points on their licence and a fine of £2,500.

The southern half of the UK has been battered by Storm Ciaran this week and as we head into November, wet and rainy conditions are set to continue. When it's raining, windscreen wipers are vital in ensuring your ability to see through the front window. However, sometimes they can break or become faulty through day-to-day wear and tear.

The experts at Xcite Car Leasing warned that before getting into their cars, motorists should always make sure their windscreen wipers are working correctly - particularly in periods of bad weather. Driving with faulty wipers not only makes your commutes unsafe for you, pedestrians, and other road users but it could leave you thousands out of pocket too.

Under section 40a of The Road Traffic Act - Using a Vehicle in a Dangerous Condition Part II - a person is guilty of an offence if the "uses, or causes or permits another to use, a motor vehicle or trailer on a road when the condition of the motor vehicle or trailer, or of its accessories or equipment is such that the use of the motor vehicle or trailer involves a danger of injury to any person.”

This applies to windscreen wipers, so you should check the blades for any splits in the rubber edge, which could prevent the wiper from clearing water properly or leaving streaks in the line of view.

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If not, you could be met with a fine of up to £2,500 as well as three penalty points for failure to have proper control of the vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead.

Alongside this, the experts at Xcite car leasing - and the High Way Code - recommend that drivers keep "well back from vehicles" during wet weather conditions. This is because the stopping distance will at "least double" when driving on wet surfaces, as the tyre traction is reduced.

The experts said it was "best" to ease off the accelerator and slow down at a gradual pace rather than breaking suddenly. By keeping a distance, drovers will also leave more time for you to react to other road users, who may break suddenly.

As well as this, xCite experts say drivers should also make sure their headlights are working fully, and that you can see more than 100 metres in front. If not, you again risk getting the £2,500 fine under the "Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition" offence.

Ruby Flanagan