It is very likely that with the arrival of the good weather and heat, that you will wonder if it you can be fined for washing the car during a drought. The answer is simple: yes.
However, it is also true that having a very dirty car is also a reason for a fine. So, what should we do in these cases?
The first thing you should know is that, during a drought, water restrictions are set by each autonomous community, so you should be aware of the announcements made by each.
In general, it is prohibited to wash the car with a hose using household/drinking water, although there are exceptions. If the cleaning is carried out in an authorised car wash by a company dedicated to this activity, it is completely legal. So, you are not able to wash your car using a garden hose, but you can take it to an authorised location.
As for the fine for washing your car using drinking water during a drought, it varies in each autonomous community, but it is usually around 1,500 euros. The fine for having a dirty car can attract a penalty ranging from 80 to 200 euros, which is included in article 84 of the Highway Code.
