You could be fined up to £1,000 for failing to remove dirt, ice or snow from headlights and indicators

BRITISH motorists could find themselves reaching deep into their pockets if they fail to keep their car clean.

Vehicles with dirt, ice or snow covering their headlights, indicators or reflectors could cost their owner a fine of up to £1,000.

Various traffic laws outline the requirements for a vehicle's lights and reflectors.

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 states: "No person shall use ... on a road a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device ... is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean."

Failing to properly clean your headlights could mean their brightness is reduced, which would dramatically impact your ability to see at night, as well as the chance of you being seen by other road users.

This can be particularly important as winter approaches, with cars covered in snow, ice or debris posing a potential risk on the road.

Two sections of the Highway Code also warn drivers of the importance of keeping lights clean, both of which are supported by road laws.

Under the vehicle maintenance section of the Code, drivers are told "lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear".

Motorists are also advised they "MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible" when driving in icy and snowy weather under regulation 229.

If pulled over by police for having obscured lights, you are likely to be given a penalty charge notice worth anywhere from £30-£100 for the offence - but that could increase to as much as £1,000 if you contested it in court.

Rodney Kumar, IAM RoadSmart spokesman, said: "It's essential that you can see and be seen when visibility is poor – it can make all the difference between having a routine journey and one that ends in tragedy.

"Driving with dirty lights is a serious safety issue which can be corrected in a matter of seconds … why take the chance? Check, clear and clean before you go.

"You could end up with an instant £50 fine – that’s money you could easily use for something more pleasant this season.”

Motorists can also be slapped with a similar fine for having a dirty number plate. 

And road users who fail to properly de-ice their windscreen this winter could find themselves in hot water.