You could be fined £2,500 for common car accessory… it seems innocent but many drivers get into trouble
BRITISH drivers could be fined £2,500 for a common car accessory which seems innocent.
Motor experts are urging car owners to ditch air fresheners as they could lead to a fine if it’s thought to obstruct your view of the road.
The Highway Code states: “Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.”
And the Road Traffic Act says: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.”
“Many seemingly innocent driving acts can get drivers into trouble so it’s worth knowing the law and taking steps to be on the right side of it,” Tim Alcock, spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk, told the Express.
“While having an air freshener hanging in the car isn’t explicitly illegal, it is against the law to not have a full vision of your surroundings and this kind of obstruction can block out part of the view ahead.
“It is also an offence to be driving while distracted, so if the air freshener is affecting the driver efficiently assessing their surroundings for potential hazards and this results in an accident they could be charged with a distracted driving offence.
“With the cost of living crisis affecting Brits, the last thing they need is a hefty fine for a preventable mistake.”
The practice can also impact your insurance if you’re involved in an accident.
Insurers aren’t likely to cover any damage or injuries sustained in a crash if your vision is impacted by decorations.
Drivers can also fail their MOT for having items hanging from their rear-vision mirror as service centres won’t approve the car until they are removed.
Regulations have become stricter since a taxi driver was fined for having furry dice and a two air fresheners hanging from their rear-view mirror when involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian in 2008.
This comes after drivers were blown away after discovering a £1 hack that leaves your car interior sparkling – and it’s so easy.
Plus, motorists who are unaware of seven little-known driving laws could end up facing huge penalties this summer.