Drivers with a dirty licence plate could be fined £1,000 as motorists warned to dig out bucket and sponge

DRIVERS with a dirty licence plate have been warned they could face a £1,000 fine - as road chiefs urge motorists to dig out a bucket and sponge.

Many Brits won't think of checking their registration plate, but it can quickly become mucky, especially during bad weather.

And the plate has to be clear to register with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Those who allow the plate to become covered by dirt can face a whopping pay-out.

As the UK heads towards winter, roads become dirtier.

Mud can be thrown up by tyres, slowly covering the number plate without the driver realising.

Breakdown assistance and road safety firm GEM Motoring Assist says motorists should clean their plates regularly to make sure they can still be read.

“A number plate must be readable and not covered by dirt,” a spokesman said.

“This is to ensure a vehicle can be identified as and when required.

“At this time of year it’s easy for a number plate to get so dirty that it cannot be read.

"This is usually caused by muck on damp road surfaces that ends up on the rear of a car.

“The law is very clear when it comes to keeping your number plates clear; you risk a £1,000 fine if you allow it to become obscured.

“It makes sense to get into the habit of giving your number plate a regular wipe – every day when conditions require.

"Do the same for your front and rear lights, and you will be doing your bit for safety during this risky time of year.”

There are also legal requirements for the plate itself, which should made from a reflective material.

The front should display black letters on a white background, while the rear must show black characters on a yellow background.

No background patterns should be used, while font is important too, and must be regulation.

Those who don't take their motor in for a wash frequently enough will be relieved to know there's no law against having a dirty car.

The chassis can be filthy - as long as the plates, lights, indicators and reflectors are clean and clear.

'DO YOUR BIT'

Pet owners are also warned they face a fine if their dog is unrestrained in the car.

Those who don't make sure their pet is safe and secure could be forced to pay out £5,000.

Last week, a driver was given a ticking off by cops in Leicestershire for motoring along with a pooch on their lap.

The pet had its paws on the motorists' arms.

Cops also said the canine was blocking the view out the front windscreen of the white Vauxhall.