Sections of the UK could face a battering from a snowstorm as soon as next week. Data from WX Charts suggests a 763-mile-wide blizzard might engulf areas from Scotland's Highlands to England's south coast, with only Wales and England's south west potentially escaping the approaching snow flurries.
The snowfall is anticipated to hit in early January, precisely when people are heading back to work following Christmas. Driving through snow presents hazards due to reduced visibility and treacherous road conditions.
However, even when snow isn't actively falling during your journey, there are additional driving regulations to consider - including one that could result in a £1,000 penalty.
In a TikTok clip posted by Stuart Miller Solicitors, their legal specialists outlined five winter driving regulations that every motorist must understand, particularly if your area gets hit by snow in the forthcoming days.
Whilst it may appear straightforward to clear your windscreen, windows, and wing mirrors of snow or ice for visibility purposes, these aren't the sole areas requiring attention. The solicitor emphasised it's equally crucial to ensure no snow remains on your roof, as driving in this condition could result in a substantial penalty.
He explained: "Snow sliding from your roof can obstruct your view, which can lead to endangering others and violating the Road Traffic Act. The penalty for this can be a fine of up to £1,000."
In the bitter cold, it might seem appealing to start your car's engine and let it warm up while you finish preparing indoors. However, this practice is illegal on public roads.
According to Rule 123 of the Highway Code, drivers are prohibited from leaving a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or keeping the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. Non-compliance could result in a £20 fine.
Idling, or leaving your engine running, contributes to increased exhaust emissions. These emissions contain harmful gases detrimental to both the environment and human health. What's more, an idling car can be an easy target for theft, so it's advisable to only start your car when you're ready to depart.
Adverse weather conditions, such as snow or heavy rain, can impair visibility, necessitating adjustments to your headlights. However, a solicitor advises that dipped headlights should be used almost always under these circumstances, rather than resorting to fog lights.
️ Winter driving laws you need to know! From defrosting your car properly to knowing when to use your headlights, staying on top of these rules can save you from fines and trouble on the road. #cars #carsoftiktok #cartok #driving #snow #londonchristmas #londonlife #lawyer #lawyersoftiktok #lawschool #police #foryou
Fog lights are exceptionally bright and should only be utilised when visibility is less than 100 metres. Unnecessary use can blind other drivers and breach the Highway Code.
Misuse of fog lights, under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, could result in fines and penalty points on your licence if visibility is not significantly impaired.
In the summer, you may have heard that driving in flip-flops is not advised, as they don't provide adequate control over the vehicle and can even become trapped under the pedals. While it's unlikely you'll be sporting sandals in winter, the principle of wearing suitable footwear still stands.
Heavy boots, for instance, are not advisable for driving as the thick soles often prevent you from feeling the pedals, making it difficult to gauge how much pressure you're applying to the accelerator. The solicitor warned that driving in inappropriate footwear could result in a careless driving charge under the Road Traffic Act, potentially leading to substantial fines and points on your licence.
Similar to the initial point about removing any snow from your vehicle, drivers must also ensure that none of their vehicle's glass is frosted or misted over. Frosted or misty windows can impair visibility and are a frequent cause of winter accidents. The solicitor advises thoroughly defrosting all your windows before setting off, including your rear windscreen and rear windows.
He stated: "Driving without a clear view breaches the Road Traffic Act and can result in fines or points on your licence."