The RAC has highlighted key vehicle maintenance tasks to avoid fines

26 September 2022

The RAC has warned drivers that putting off simple car maintenance could potentially result in a fine or even penalty points on your licence.

We all know that a little fault light on your dashboard means that your car needs some TLC, but what about general maintenance? 

Areas of concern include:

Tyres – Driving with worn, underinflated or overinflated tyres could result in fines of £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre. 

Windscreen – Putting off getting the chip in your windscreen fixed could result in a fine of £2,500 and 3 penalty points on your driving licence. Repeat offences within 3 years could result in a 6-month disqualification from driving. (Incidentally, snow on your windscreen carries the same penalties). 

Windscreen wipers – Broken or blunt windscreen wipers create a potential hazard whilst driving, and therefore can result in a fine of £2,500 and 3 penalty points, rising to a 6-month disqualification for repeat offences within 3 years. Driving without washer fluid can also generate a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points. 

Registration plate – If your registration plate is cracked or covered by mud or snow, you could receive a £1,000 fine. 

Wing mirror – A broken wing mirror can result in a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points, rising to a 6-month disqualification for repeat offences within 3 years. 

Lightbulbs – A broken headlight or brake light could result in a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points. 

Emissions – If your car releases emissions above the air pollutant standard it was designed to meet, not only could it fail an MOT, but you could be slapped with a fine of £1,000. 

Rubbish – Old coffee cups, sandwich wrappers and other litter falling from your vehicle as you open the door could result in a £150 fine for littering. 

You can find out more about how to fix these maintenance issues and the penalties for failing to do so, here.

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