November driving rule MILLIONS of Brits don’t know about could see you slapped with £1k fine – know the law & save cash
DRIVERS have been warned to watch out for a little-known November driving rule that could cost them a £1,000 fine.
You might imagine that road laws remain the same all year round, but there are actually some specific provisions covering Autumn driving.
The weather is very much starting to turn, with the Met Office predicting that the UK will be gripped by “anticyclonic gloom” this week.
As conditions turn colder and wetter, Brits might quite rightly be worried about heavy rain or icy roads.
But many likely neglect the danger that falling leaves can pose.
With temperatures on the slide, trees across the country are already shedding their foliage in anticipation of a chilly winter.
While this makes for a very atmospheric Autumn scene, it can cause havoc for motorists.
Experts from BigWantsYourCar urged drivers to be vigilant for wet leaves on their vehicles or else face a massive bill.
They explained that failing to clear the leaves from your windscreen before setting off, you could be pulled over.
Driving with an obstructed view is an offence under the Highway Code, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.
And that doesn’t just mean clearing a gap on the driver’s side so you can see out.
To stay safe from both fines and collisions, you have to be able to see properly out of the entirety of the windscreen, as well as making sure all mirrors are visible.
This also goes for the rear windscreen and all the windows.
But not only can wet leaves get you in legal hot water, they can also cause significant damage to your motor.
When carpeting the road surface, they can reduce traction and increase the risk of losing control of the car.
And they can also clog up your air conditioning intake which, if left blocked, can result in damp and mould in the cabin.
A spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar said: “Wet leaves can be just as dangerous as large puddles, making the road slippery and unsafe.
“If it’s safe to do so, avoid them altogether. You also need to be aware that a pothole could be hiding under a pile of leaves.
“Failing to clear leaves from your windscreen could not only compromise your safety but also lead to a fine of up to £1,000.”