Drivers risk £2,500 fine for not checking wiper blades

Keeping an eye on your windscreen wiper blades might not be a factor that immediately comes to mind.

National Tyres and Autocare are urging motorists to check their wipers are in line with law and regulation, as you could incur a £2,500 fine.

This would fall under Section 40a of The Road Traffic Act: Using a Vehicle in a Dangerous Condition Part II.

It states that “a person is guilty of an offence if he uses, or causes or permits another to use, a motor vehicle or trailer on a road when the condition of the motor vehicle or trailer, or of its accessories or equipment is such that the use of the motor vehicle or trailer involves a danger of injury to any person.”

Windscreen wipers need to be changed once a year (Canva)

Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition or failing to have a full view of the road and traffic can result in a £2,500 minimum fine for passenger-carrying vehicles and three penalty points.

What is the protocol with windscreen wipers?

Windscreen wipers should be replaced at least once a year. However, depending on usage, environment, and quality of the wipers, they may need replacing even more regularly.

Furthermore, your car can fail its MOT if your windscreen wipers do not operate or are missing.

It can also fail if the wiper blade is defective or does not clean the windscreen properly, such as if it leaves smudges or streaks.

The ways to check your wiper blades are as follows:

• Check if they don't leave smudges or streaks as they clean the windshield. If they don't clean it efficiently they will need replacing.
• Is the rubber of your wipers cracked or split in any way? If so, you need new ones.
• Are your wipers bouncing off your screen rather than smoothly gliding across the surface of the glass? These will fail to effectively clean your windscreen and would make you liable for a fine.