Winter brings with it shorter daylight hours, long dark nights and unpredictable weather. If you're braving the roads during this season, there are additional factors to consider to ensure your safety.
However, common winter blunders could land you with an on-the-spot fine if you're caught out by the law. According to the experts at Dayinsure, a provider of temporary car insurance, many motorists are oblivious that routine winter errors can result in both driving hazards and financial penalties.
A frequent faux pas made by drivers in winter is misusing their fog lights. These should only be switched on when the conditions truly warrant it.
The UK Highway Code stipulates that fog lights should only be activated when visibility dips below roughly 100 metres and must be turned off as soon as conditions improve, or you could face a penalty of around £50.
In the winter months, snow and ice are par for the course and besides posing a threat to safety, these conditions can also lead to a hefty fine, reports the Express.
If your number plate is obscured by snow, mud or ice, you could be slapped with a fine — that's why it's crucial to give your vehicle a once-over before you hit the road.
Check your number plate, your lights and fluid levels, and your tyre tread depth.
If your tyres fall short of the legal tread depth of 1.6mm, you could be looking at a potential fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points.
If there's snow on top of your car, make sure you clear it before hitting the road as it can slide down and obstruct your windscreen. It's also crucial to declutter your dashboard prior to driving.
Stickers, ornaments or hanging decorations can limit visibility or cause distractions, and this could result in a hefty fine of up to £1000 if it's determined that your vision was impaired.