Can you get fined for blunt or streaky windscreen wipers?

Windscreen wipers are essential for maintaining a clear and safe view of the road ahead, especially in rainy or snowy conditions. But did you know that driving with blunt or damaged wiper blades can land you in trouble with the law and cost you a hefty fine?

According to The Road Traffic Act, using a vehicle in a dangerous condition is an offence that can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence. Driving with faulty wiper blades is considered a dangerous condition, as it can impair your visibility and increase the risk of accidents.

If the police catch you driving with blunt or broken wiper blades, they can issue you with a £50 fixed penalty notice for being behind the wheel in a vehicle with a part in a defective condition. However, if they deem your driving to be careless or reckless due to your poor wipers, they can charge you with a £100 on-the-spot fine or even take you to court, where the maximum fine can rise to £5,000 .

Not only that, but driving with faulty wiper blades can also cause you to fail your MOT test, which means you will have to pay for a retest and a replacement of your wipers before you can drive legally again.

So how can you avoid getting fined for blunt windscreen wipers? The best way is to check your wiper blades regularly and replace them as soon as you notice any signs of wear or damage. Some of the common symptoms of faulty wiper blades are:

- Streaking: The rubber has hardened or cracked due to exposure to sun, rain, dirt or chemicals, leaving bands of water or dirt on the screen after each wipe.

- Smearing: The edge of the blade is no longer sharp but rounded due to wear, causing water to smear across the screen and reduce your visibility.

- Squeaking: The old or worn rubber of the blade does not move quietly across the windscreen, but makes a loud or annoying noise.

- Juddering: The blade does not glide smoothly over the windscreen, but skips or vibrates due to dirt or damage.

Experts recommend changing your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, depending on how much you use them and how harsh the weather conditions are. You can also clean your wiper blades regularly with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that might affect their performance.

If you need help with choosing or fitting new wiper blades for your vehicle, you can visit your local garage or car parts store and ask for advice. Alternatively, you can order online from reputable websites that offer quality products and delivery services.

Keep your wipers in good shape and enjoy a clear and safe view of the road ahead.