When we drive a car or motorbike, there are a lot of rules of behavior to follow, as governed by the Highway Code. We all know the main ones, but there are more particular and less talked about rules that not many know. But the law does not admit ignorance, so in this article we are going to inform you of some of these rules that you should know in order not to risk serious consequences.
The duties of the driver on the road and highway are manifold: obligation not to dirty the ground, not to throw papers and butts out of the window, not to pour oil or fuel on the asphalt (and if this should happen, call the competent authorities).
Among the driving license quizzes that are often offered to those who have to pass the theory exam to obtain a driving licence, it may happen that you come across the following question: is it forbidden to drive with mud on your wheels and, if so, what is the rule of the Highway Code that contains this precept?
You don’t have to be a driver to follow the rules. The latter are written in the regulation and can simply be studied and then memorized. What can happen, however, is that some situations foreseen by the highway code practically do not happen in the area where we live, so over time the rules memorized during the exams are forgotten.
But the law does not admit ignorance, and the fines, even against those who are in good faith, are inflexible, unless the agent who stops you and finds you in violation decides to turn a blind eye if the damage caused is not serious or is practically nil.
So if you are interested in knowing if it is forbidden to drive with mud on the wheelsyou’ve landed on the right page. Below we will explain what the Highway Code mentions in this regard.
Mud on the wheels: what the CdS says and the penalties you risk
The first part of the Highway Code, specifically the Title II, articles 13 to 45deals explicitly with roads and their maintenance. The obligations that must be respected by the owner of the land (who can be from the municipality, state property or the region) and the motorist are set out.
The article expressly states: “carry or spread mud or debris even with the wheels of cars or motorbikes coming from accesses and branches. If not, there is the administrative sanction for the payment of a sum ranging from 41 to 168 euros“.
In addition to spreading mud left and right and littering public roads, having tires full of mud is risky because it impairs the vehicle’s grip and braking ability. So better not to risk it.
In short, if you are coming from a dirt road because you’ve been in the country after a good downpour, better go to a car wash first.
