Drivers told to cover cars next week or risk £1,000 fine

Motorists have been issued a stark warning ahead of Bonfire Night on Tuesday, November 5. As the autumn season intensifies with typical British wind and rain, Dick Lovett is highlighting a lesser-known driving hazard during this festive period: firework residue.

While diminished visibility close to fireworks displays is well-documented, with some UK locations experiencing up to 64% reduction, the fresh menace lurks in the form of debris from these pyrotechnics. The Met Office frequently issues weather warnings that accentuate the risk of driving during such conditions, especially when coupled with nearby fireworks events.

The government's "Fireworks: Be Safe, Not Sorry" campaign already advises motorists to park "well away from the display area and dropping zone", recommending a buffer zone of at least 100m x 50m.

Alex Hynes, Service Manager at Dick Lovett comments: “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.”

The advice also urges parking "upwind of the display" to mitigate debris risks. Yet, shifting winds could suddenly place vehicles downwind, making them vulnerable to falling detritus even if parked at an initially safe distance.

Despite these cautions, private celebrations only add complexity. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 3.3 million adults hold their own fireworks events in the UK, meaning those opting to leave their cars at home are not insulated from potential pyrotechnic fallout.

If motorists are unable to store their vehicles in a secure garage, Dick Lovett advises them to cover their cars on Bonfire Night to protect the windows and paintwork from embers. If a full car cover is not available, at least covering the windscreen with a windscreen cover or damp bath towel can prevent it from being coated by ash.

When ash combines with water - or rain - it forms a paste-like substance that can hinder visibility and make it more difficult to remove from your glass. For those who have already had fireworks or bonfire ash fall on their car windscreen, Dick Lovett recommends thoroughly cleaning their windscreen before driving again.

Motorists should also ensure they've cleaned other parts of the windscreen, such as the wipers, as any trapped debris could spread across your screen once they're turned on. If motorists are caught roadside with a dirty windscreen, they could face a £1,000 fine, points on their licence, or even a driving ban.

If the case went to court, drivers could see their fine rise to £5,000 and receive up to 9 penalty points, as under Regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, drivers are warned they must keep all glass clear of obstruction. Similarly, the Highway Code states that "windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision".