With the harsh winter weather and dirty wet roads making our beloved motors grimier than ever, a little known traffic offence could lead to some unsuspecting drivers getting an unexpected fine.

There have been plenty of warnings in the media about ensuring your windows and lights are clear of snow before driving your car, but did you know that it’s just as important to clean off any snow or much from your number-plate.

Drivers who fail to keep their number plate clean of dirt should expect to court the authorities, with the police having the powers to fine drivers £1000 for the offence.

“Even if you’re only making a two-minute journey, by not thoroughly cleaning your car of snow, ice or condensation… you’re breaking the law and leaving yourself liable to a run-in with the police,” the RAC warned drivers.

The law applies to both the front and rear registration plates and is being strictly adhered to due to the fact that the automatic number plate recognition system (ANPR), which is used to check for untaxed, uninsured or stolen vehicles, cannot read the plates or even have incorrect spacing.

Another issue with having your number plate obscured is that in the event of an accident, all parties need to be able to identify motors by their number plate, especially if one of the drivers chooses to flee the scene of the incident.

Whilst there is a fair argument that in some of the more heavy winter conditions your number plate could get obscured whilst driving though a blizzard, there is still an expectation on drivers to keep your plate clean before setting off.

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