WINTER CAR CARE: AVOID FINES AND ENSURE SAFETY ON THE ROAD
As winter sets in, car owners are faced with a daunting task: keeping their vehicles clean and safe on the road. Snow, mud, and road salt can make a mess of your car in a flash, and many drivers avoid washing their cars, thinking it’s an unnecessary expense. However, this „saving” could end up costing you dearly in fines. The police are paying attention not only to dirty windscreens but also to license plates and lights. What are the consequences of neglecting your car’s maintenance? Let’s explore the regulations and provide tips on how to take care of your vehicle during winter.
CAN YOU GET FINED FOR A DIRTY CAR?
Although there is no law requiring car owners to keep their vehicles spotless, dirty windscreens, lights, or license plates can be grounds for a fine. According to Article 66 of the Road Traffic Act, a vehicle on the road must ensure proper visibility and safety. This means that if your windscreens are caked with mud or your license plates are illegible, a police officer has the right to issue a fine. The maximum fine for such an offense can be as high as 3,000 PLN. Additionally, you may be required to clean your car on the spot to continue driving.
DIRTY LIGHTS AND LICENSE PLATES: A FINE WAITING TO HAPPEN
Dirty headlights and taillights can be deemed a hazard to other road users. Polluted lamps reduce visibility, and in the case of modern LED lights, they can even blind other drivers. A police officer can issue a fine of:
* 500 PLN for obscured or dirty license plates
* 300 PLN for dirty or covered lights
It’s essential to prioritize car maintenance, especially if you drive in harsh weather conditions. Don’t put off that visit to the car wash!
WHO IS LIABLE FOR A DIRTY CAR?
While the idea of fining car owners for a messy interior might seem absurd, some drivers are indeed responsible for keeping their vehicles clean. This includes drivers of buses, taxis, and coaches. According to the Code of Petty Offences (Article 117), a driver who fails to maintain their vehicle in a proper sanitary condition can be fined up to 1,500 PLN.
TIPS FOR CAR MAINTENANCE DURING WINTER
To avoid problems with the police and fines for a dirty car, it’s crucial to regularly visit a car wash. Here are some tips:
* Hand wash: The most thorough option, although time-consuming and costly. Ideal for a detailed cleaning of the body, windscreens, and lights.
* Touchless car wash: Quick and convenient, it removes dirt and road salt from the most critical areas of your car.
* Undercarriage wash: Essential during winter to prevent corrosion caused by road salt. Make sure to rinse the wheel wells, door sills, and crevices thoroughly.
* Be cautious in freezing temperatures: Washing your car in freezing temperatures can cause water to freeze in nooks and crannies, leading to damage.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR – AVOID FINES AND ENSURE SAFETY
A dirty car is not only a risk of fines but also a hazard on the road. Dirty windscreens and lights reduce visibility, and obscured license plates can lead to additional problems. Regular car wash visits are a small cost compared to potential fines of up to 3,000 PLN. Remember, by taking care of your car’s cleanliness, you’re not only avoiding unpleasant situations with the police but also ensuring the safety of yourself and other road users. Is it worth the risk? The answer seems obvious.