A SIMPLE kitchen staple could help drivers steer clear of costly fines as rainy spring weather causes chaos on the roads.
Foggy windshields and obstructed views are becoming a bigger problem for drivers, particularly as wet weather sets in.
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Used tea bags may be the trick to keeping your windshield fog-free and your wallet untouched.
New York drivers risk a $243 ticket for driving with an obstructed view under state traffic laws.
The rule is often enforced when a cracked windshield or a hanging item, like a scented air freshener or fuzzy dice, is spotted.
While there isn’t a specific law against driving with a foggy windshield, cops can slap drivers with a citation if they deem driving unsafe due to reduced visibility.
Plus, driving with a foggy windshield can risk your safety and lead to an accident on the road.
Cops frequently hand out the obstructed view ticket alongside another citation, sometimes calling it a “roadside reduction.”
But this is no throwaway charge.
The offense is classed as a moving violation and can two points on your driving record.
Even first-time violators can be hit with the maximum fine: a $150 penalty plus a $93 surcharge.
And the real sting may come later, when insurance companies bump up your premium.
The law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle if their view is blocked or if passengers interfere with the control of the car.
That includes having too many people in the front seat or large loads obstructing sightlines.
If slapped with the charge, experts urge drivers to challenge it.
Pleading not guilty could help avoid the points, even if it was a reduced charge or the obstruction was minimal.
Driving with an obstructed view
You could be fined for driving with an obstructed view for any of the following situations:
- A cracked windshield
- Too many passengers in the car
- Driving with too many dashboard items like hula dolls or fuzzy dice
- Snow or ice piled up on your windows
In New York, drivers can even hire an attorney to appear in court on their behalf to fight the ticket.
HOW TO USE TEA BAGS
Ben Pitcher, a car specialist with DPF Experts, says tea bags are a cheap fix many people already have in their cupboards.
“Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers,” he said.
“Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months.”
“They’re not as powerful as professional dehumidifiers, but they’re a cheap, eco-friendly solution.”
Experts recommend stashing the used bags in door pockets, on dashboards, or in small bowls.
Doing so could stop fog from forming in the first place and save drivers from a costly mistake.
