Motorists could be slapped with a for breaking a little-known dirty number plate this winter, according to experts.

Experts at stressed road users would likely receive "some form of punishment or fine" if their

for law enforcement purposes with ANPR cameras and police using registration numbers to work out who is behind the wheel.

A build-up of grime and dirt may be common in winter with dirty roads, mud and rain all mixing together to create a toxic mix.

However, not staying on top of this could making it impossible for cameras or officers to work out what the police says.

In these situations, road users are likely to be slapped with an on-the-spot fine of £100.

However, in some situations, the experts claim motorists could be

Ash Young, founder of , said: "Dirt, snow and grime are part and parcel of a British winter and most of the time it's harmless when it appears on your car.

"But when certain areas of your vehicle are covered in dirt, that's when you're likely to receive some form of punishment or fine.

"It's most dangerous when the windscreen, wing mirrors, windows and number plates are obstructed and impair your driving ability or cause you to become unidentified. Police may even assume that you've obscured your plates deliberately."

Motorists with an obstructed number plate are also likely to fail their annual MOT test in a major blow.

This would mean road users are unable to travel in their vehicles with a valid MOT certificate required to drive.

stressed that road users should always check their number plate visibility before setting off.

They said: "Registration plates are legally required to be displayed clearly at all times. Before setting off, drivers must check their plates to ensure snow and ice are not obstructing any characters.

"While you may expect ice or snow to defrost within a few minutes of setting off, if you are caught driving before the ice or snow has melted, the police have the right to pull you over and issue you a fine.

"Therefore, drivers must ensure they check the visibility of number plates before any journeys."