Drivers have been urged to avoid a crucial oversight when driving in snowy conditions, which could see them slapped with a hefty fine. With temperatures plunging this week and snow forecast in parts of the country over the coming days, many motorists will wake up and prepare for their morning commute only to find their windscreens covered in ice or snowflakes.
But Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, warned that drivers should always fully clear their windscreen, as "driving with limited visibility can mean three penalty points and up to a £1,000 fine". "Check your lights too, as defective ones can cost £100," he added.
Mr Brooker notes that if poor visibility or ice causes a crash, you could also "face up to nine penalty points for careless driving". "If it has been raining, also make sure to remove any big wet coats properly, as these could impair your driving,” the expert added.
Mr Brooker also stressed the importance of removing "all snow from your roof, bonnet and windows too, even if it is just a short journey".
"If it slides off or blows onto another driver’s windscreen while you're on the move, you could be fined for driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.”
While some drivers won't think twice about popping to the shops or doing the school run locally, "short winter journeys can be the most dangerous", he warned. "Rushing out the door with a cold engine, snow, icy roads or rain can be a risky mix.”
“If temperatures are consistently below 7°C, consider switching to winter tyres they’re designed to grip better in cold, wet and icy conditions, reducing braking distances on those quick runs.”
Additionally, he flagged another common mistake that can also see you hit with a £1k penalty - even if you're not driving.
Mr Brooker said while it may be tempting to park your car at night facing the direction of the rising sun so the rays can melt the snow and ice away, doing so by parking the wrong way can have serious financial consequences, and there's a good reason why it's not allowed.
“Rule 248 of the Highway Code states you must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of traffic flow unless you're in a recognised parking space," he said.
The expert explained that this rule is in place because your car's rear reflectors "won't catch the headlights of oncoming vehicles, making you nearly invisible to other drivers in the dark, a recipe for disaster on winter mornings when visibility is already poor".
He advised investing in an ice scraper or de-icer instead, or better yet, a car cover to protect it overnight.
"Those few extra minutes spent defrosting properly could save you a four-figure fine and potentially prevent a serious collision.”