Drivers told to cover their cars on Bonfire Night to avoid £1,000 fine

Motoring experts have issued a warning to drivers regarding the potential hazard of ‘falling firework residue’ on Bonfire Night, which could obscure windscreen visibility and result in fines and points on their licence. While it's widely recognised that visibility can be greatly diminished near fireworks displays, with some UK areas historically experiencing reductions up to 64%, Dick Lovett is highlighting a less obvious danger: firework residue.

With the Met Office frequently issuing weather warnings for wind and rain, the British autumn presents clear challenges for motorists, particularly during fireworks events. The official government guidance 'Fireworks: Be Safe, Not Sorry' advises parking at professional displays to be "well away from the display area and dropping zone", with recommended dimensions for dropping zones being at least 100m x 50m.

Crucially, vehicles should be parked "upwind of the display" to avoid debris, but changing winds could still pose a threat to cars parked within this advised safe distance.

However, with previous reports indicating that approximately 3.3 million British adults (7%) host private firework displays, drivers who keep their cars at home won't be able to distance themselves from these displays. If drivers can't securely garage their cars, Dick Lovett suggests covering them on Bonfire Night to protect the windows and paintwork from embers.

If a full car cover isn't available, consider covering the windscreen with a windscreen cover or damp bath towel to prevent ash accumulation. When ash mixes with water or rain, it forms a paste-like substance that can hinder visibility and is difficult to remove from glass.

For those whose car windscreens have already been affected by fireworks or bonfire ash, Dick Lovett recommends thorough cleaning before driving again. Drivers should also ensure they've cleaned other parts of the windscreen, like the wipers, as any trapped debris could spread across your screen once they're turned on.

Drivers caught with a dirty windscreen could face a £1,000 fine, points on their licence, or even a driving ban. Drivers are being warned that not keeping their windscreens clear of obstructions, including Bonfire Night debris, could land them with a fine up to £5,000 and up to 9 penalty points, according to Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986. Furthermore, the Highway Code clearly states, "windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision."

Alex Hynes, service manager at Dick Lovett said: “It’s vital that drivers take extra precaution to protect their windscreens from debris this Bonfire Night - especially after such a year of continuously unpredictable weather.

“While drivers might not feel responsible for reduced visibility from Bonfire Night debris, especially if they’re not actually attending a display, drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure their vehicle is always in a roadworthy condition.

“It might feel inconvenient, but not checking your windscreen for debris before driving in the days leading up to and after Bonfire Night will only put yourself and other motorists at risk.”