- Romania requires rear wipers present to be functional and checked at ITP.
- Other European countries impose fines for nonfunctional or missing rear wipers.
- Rear wiper is usually single, central, powered from the tailgate.
- Regular maintenance: replace blades every 6–12 months and keep the wash system clean.
Many modern cars, especially hatchbacks and station wagons, come from the factory equipped with rear windscreen wipers. While they may seem less critical than the front wipers, these components play a crucial role in road safety and are regulated by law in most European countries.
Rear windscreen wipers operate on the same principle as windshield wipers, removing dirt, rain, and snow that accumulate on the rear window. Unlike the front system, which uses two wipers, the rear typically uses a single wiper mounted centrally.
Why the rear window gets dirty
Due to the aerodynamic shape of modern vehicles, the airflow behind the car creates a vortex that attracts dirt, dust, and particles from the road. This phenomenon is intensified during rain or snowfall, when visibility through the rear window can be significantly compromised.
The rear wiper system includes a dedicated electric motor, usually mounted in the tailgate or trunk, connected to the wiper through transmission mechanisms similar to the front ones, but adapted to the geometry of the rear window.
Rear wiper requirement in Romania
According to Romanian regulations, if the vehicle comes from the factory equipped with a rear wiper, it must always be functional. This requirement is part of the vehicle’s mandatory equipment and can be checked at the ITP.
However, in practice, checking the rear wiper’s functionality at RAR inspections is not systematic in Romania. The situation is different in other European countries, where authorities impose substantial fines for vehicles with nonfunctional rear wipers or those missing them.
Importance of keeping it in operation
- Road safety: Clear visibility through all windows reduces the risk of accidents
- Legal compliance: Avoiding issues at periodic technical inspections
- Driving comfort: Eliminating the need to stop to manually clean the rear window
Maintenance and replacement
Rear wiper requires the same attention as the front ones. The rubber blade should be replaced periodically, and the washing system (if present) should be kept clean and functional. Typically, rear blades have a lifespan similar to front ones, around 6-12 months depending on usage conditions.
We recommend regular checks of the system’s functionality, especially before the cold season when adverse weather conditions make visibility crucial for road safety.
Photo source: articulo.mercadolibre.com.mx