Driving with a vehicle's exterior in poor condition, whether due to accumulated dust, mud, or haze, can lead to significant financial penalties for drivers in Tenerife. These conditions not only affect the vehicle's appearance but, crucially, compromise road safety for both the driver and other road users.
The regulation, specifically Article 19 of the General Traffic Regulations, states that the glazed surface of the vehicle must always allow the driver clear visibility of the road. Therefore, driving with a windshield, rear window, mirrors, or headlights covered in dirt can result in a fine. Fines for this offense typically range around 80 euros, but if an officer deems visibility to be severely compromised, the vehicle could even be immobilized.
Another essential safety feature is the license plate, which must be perfectly legible at all times to allow for proper vehicle identification. If dirt prevents its reading, it is considered a serious infraction with a fine that can reach 200 euros. Intentional tampering with the license plate to avoid sanctions or prevent vehicle identification carries much more severe penalties, including up to 6,000 euros and the loss of driving license points.
Reduced visibility due to a dirty windshield is particularly problematic during dawn or dusk. Furthermore, dirt can interfere with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as cameras and sensors, which rely on a clean surface to function correctly and provide the expected assistance.
Maintaining a vehicle in a clean condition goes beyond mere aesthetics, being a determining factor in ensuring traffic safety.
