Is It A Legal Requirement To Have A Rear Windscreen Wiper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While the legal requirement for a rear windshield wiper changes from location to location , its purpose, to clear the rear window, is still important. Without a functioning rear wiper, it may be more difficult to see behind your vehicle in traffic or when reversing.

Is rear wiper necessary in car?

Quite simply, because their rear ends taper off more smoothly, the airflow can travel across the surface of the car much more easily and directly. This means air can also travel across the windscreen and remove water sitting on the surface – so there’s no need for a rear wiper blade .

Can you remove rear wiper?

It’s most common on rear window wipers since they’re used less often. ... All wiper arms fit onto a splined shaft (Photo 1). Some are held in place with a nut. To replace that type, just lift the protective cap , remove the nut and pull off the arm (Photo 2).

Will a rear wiper delete an MOT?

Yes your car will pass an MOT with a rear wiper delete as it is not an MOT requirement.

Is it illegal to drive with no rear wiper?

Is the rear windshield wiper legally required to be there? In many jurisdictions, the rear wiper needs to be functioning if a vehicle is equipped with one. Some states require annual inspections that will catch a faulty or missing rear wiper, while in other states a rear wiper is not inspected at all .

Is rear wiper part of MOT 2020?

Rear wipers aren’t tested , but if your car has one and it isn’t working, it’s best to get it fixed in any case, for peace of mind.

Is rear wiper part of MOT 2021?

You can fail your MOT because of your windscreen wipers, yes. ... Your rear windscreen wipers are not part of the MOT , so you needn’t worry about them letting you down on the big day. However, you should ensure they’re working anyway for safety reasons, and have them repaired or replaced if they aren’t.

Why do saloons not have rear wipers?

Quite simply, because their rear ends taper off more smoothly , the airflow can travel across the surface of the car much more easily and directly. This means air can also travel across the windscreen and remove water sitting on the surface – so there’s no need for a rear wiper blade.

Why do people remove the rear wiper?

On a wagon/hatchback/SUV you’d be better off leaving it on, as rain and dirt accumulate on the rear window due to low pressure/turbulence behind the car. Reasons for removing it are either aesthetics, weight savings or both .

Is a faulty rear wiper an MOT failure?

If the blades are damaged and don’t clear the windscreen effectively they could cause scratch damage to the windscreen and may result in an MOT test failure too. ... It may be worth checking your rear windscreen and wiper too for any damage, even though your vehicle can’t fail its MOT test for this.

What can fail an MOT 2020?

  • Lights. A blown light bulb is one of the most common MOT failures, and one of the easiest to resolve. ...
  • Windscreen wipers. Faulty windscreen wipers are another common MOT fail. ...
  • Tyres. ...
  • Brakes. ...
  • Exhaust. ...
  • Seatbelts and airbags. ...
  • Steering. ...
  • Suspension.

What gets checked on an MOT 2020?

What is checked in an MOT in 2020? An MOT test takes around 45 minutes, during which time the tester will check the roadworthiness of your car, assessing all its electrical equipment, steering, tyres (including tread depth, pressure and condition), and suspension .

Can you fail MOT on wiper blades?

Mainly yes , your car can fail its MOT on windscreen wipers if they do not operate or are missing. It can also fail if the wiper blade is defective or does not clean the windscreen properly for example leaving smudges, or streeks.

Do garages fail MOT on purpose?

If a car is found to have a major defect the car can still be driven away to another garage to be fixed. ... The comparison site said: “ Garages are unable to prevent motorists from taking their car away. “Do your research before your MOT so that you can plan for a failure and what you will do.

Why do hatchbacks have a rear window wiper but sedans don t?

The aerodynamics, essentially known as the way of the air flowing over the right angle where the rear window meets the roof – creates a low-pressure area that collects much nasty dust in then deposits it into the windshield surface. Due to the designing of sedans and hatchbacks, sedan cars hardly need a wiper.

How important is rear wiper?

Rear wipers are essentially meant for vehicles with an upright rear window that collects dust, dirt, snow , etc., because of aerodynamics – the flow of air over the right angle where the roof and rear window meet creates a low pressure area that pulls that nasty stuff in and deposits it onto the surface.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.