These are the fines you can get for driving a dirty car

The rain mixed with mud we are suffering due to the sandstorm this March is leaving cars completely covered in a mixture of Saharan dust and rainwater. Fortunately, this kind of dirt can be removed easily, and we have already offered some tips on how to remove this dirt. And be careful, because not keeping your car clean can result in fines of between 80 and 200 euros.

No, the Guardia Civil and the DGT do not care whether your bodywork is dirty, but they do care that all the elements that allow visibility are perfectly clean and that nothing hinders it. So it is advisable to carry out a clean as soon as possible, to clear the windscreen, rear window and side windows of accumulated dust or mud.

Clean surfaces and clear visibility

With this information, you know that you must clean the glass so that you can see clearly through it. Even if you leave the bodywork for later, once it stops raining, visibility must be unobstructed. This includes the side windows, as the exterior mirrors are also important and you must be able to see them without problems.

As far as the windscreen is concerned, do not forget to have windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir, so that you can properly remove dirt while driving. Although you can use water, commercial fluids help remove dirt and keep the glass clean for longer.

Another element to consider is the windscreen wiper blades. These must be in good condition and allow dirt to be removed efficiently. If the blades are worn, they could scratch the glass and cause problems that would lead to having to replace the windscreen.

How to clean the windscreen

Remember that dust particles mixed with water create a film of mud, but without water they can also be harmful to the glass. Before using the wipers, it is advisable to dampen the glass to remove the dust without causing damage. To do this, the best option is to use a sponge with plenty of water and rub gently, lifting the dust without forcing it.

When there is mud, you should also dampen the windscreen to safely remove this opaque layer. Once softened, it is best to remove it with the sponge or a microfibre cloth. From then on, as you drive, use windscreen washer fluid and prevent mud from building up.

The number plate, also clean

The number plate is the car’s main means of identification. It must therefore also be clean and allow the letters and numbers to be identified. Clean it as often as necessary, since having a dirty plate, with a layer covering the digits and letters, can result in a fine of 200 euros.

The headlights must also be clean. Obviously, these are elements exposed to the elements that can get dirty while driving. Even so, you must keep them clean and if necessary, stop at a service station and remove the layer of dirt that may stop them from doing their job.

The bodywork can be left for another time, for when it stops raining and can be washed without getting dirty again. But the rest of the elements mentioned must be spotless and clean.