Drivers could cop $114 fine for common windscreen wiper mistake

Drivers could be facing massive fines for not following a road rule many had no idea even existed.

New South Wales drivers have been left scratching their heads after police informed them they could be fined $114 for not obeying a road rule many had never heard of.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, NSW Police’s The Hills Police Area Command reminded motorists they should have water in their windscreen washers whenever they drive - and that their wipers needed to be in good condition before they could hit the road.

Failing to do one of these things could cost you $114 - and if you’re sprung on both counts, that’s a $228 fine.

The Hills Police Area Command posted the reminder given the weather that Sydney has experienced lately. Picture: Facebook/NSWPoliceTheHillsPoliceAreaCommand

“Given the amount of rain recently – Drivers are reminded they can be penalised under the Road Transport Act for failing to have water in the windshield washer & defective windscreen wipers – it’s dangerous. The penalty is $114 and no points for each defect”, the police announcement read.

Many Facebook users regarded the post as absurd, with many claiming they had no idea the road rule existed in the first place, and others declaring it a ploy to raise revenue in the state.

The NSW Government recommends that motorists undertake regular checks on their windscreen wipers and washers, horn and seatbelts. Picture: AAP image/John Gass

“Reminded??? I bet 99 per cent of the population doesn’t know about it, like me”, a woman remarked.

“Imagine getting fired for dodgy wipers hahaha we are officially the nanny state”, a second person wrote.

“Sounds like a smear campaign ;)”, joked a third.

“Do we also get in trouble if we use our wipers and there’s no water on the windscreen”, someone responded.

The NSW Government recommends motorists regularly check that their windscreen wipers and washers, horn and seatbelts are working.