Urgent warning for drivers over TikTok windscreen ‘hack’ that could land you with unlimited fine or JAIL
AN URGENT warning has been issued for drivers over a TikTok windscreen hack that could land you with unlimited fine or jail.
The viral trend encourages motorists to use a water-repellent solution to stop ever having to use window wipers again.
The popular video is convincing some road users they’re windscreens will have clear visibility at all times – but insurance experts aren’t convinced.
Risk-assessors from Chill Insurance have advised against relying on a solution for keeping your windscreen clear, the Irish Mirror report.
A spokesperson said: “Whilst the water-repellent solution appears to work to some degree in the TikTok video, we would argue that visibility is still impaired from the rain, and therefore not using the windscreen wipers is making it dangerous to drive.”
“Therefore, drivers should not solely rely on the water-repellent solution to keep water off their windscreens to avoid dangerous driving conditions.
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“Whilst your car insurance will still cover you for driving in extreme weather conditions, that doesn’t mean you should take unnecessary risks on the road.
“If your insurance company can prove that any accidents that occur do so from your own negligence, for example relying on water-resistant spray in heavy rain without using windscreen wipers, then it may result in not getting the needed pay out if the worst should happen.”
Drivers who crash while relying on the solution may face a dangerous driving charge which carries a penalty of an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
Motorists have a responsibility to ensure their driving doesn’t have a negative impact on others.
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Under Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, drivers are warned they must keep all glass clear of obstruction.
The law states: “All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.”
Drivers are also urged to avoid any “dangerous” tricks when it comes to clear windscreens in icy conditions.
When drivers wake up in the morning and see their car covered in ice, they always want to the quickest and simplest ways to de-ice it.
One hack that has become popular is filing a sandwich bag with warm water and rubbing it across the windscreen and windows.
While this is a quick and easy fix, the melted ice could refreeze after you start your journey, causing an issue.
Driving with ice or condensation on your car is classed as driving with obscured vision.
If you get caught driving in these conditions, you could get up to a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.