Motorists have been warned to exercise extra caution behind the wheel this winter, as a car insurance firm has highlighted five driving blunders that could land you with fines reaching up to £30,000.
Most drivers will be aware that winter driving conditions differ dramatically from those experienced during the warmer summer months. Throughout winter, road conditions change due to the darkness, wet weather and often foggier climate, meaning motorists must remain vigilant to numerous crucial elements. However, specialists at Rooster Car Insurance have cautioned drivers that five typical driving errors could result in fines totalling up to £30,000 if proper care isn't taken.
Posting on their TikTok page, where they've amassed over 102,600 followers, a member of staff outlined five frequent mistakes motorists make during winter which could see them slapped with fines costing thousands of pounds.
"Here's how to avoid fines that could cost you up to £30,000 this winter," she said at the start of the video.
First up, she pointed out that merely driving through puddles could result in a fine of up to £5,000 if you end up drenching a pedestrian.
"But you are unlikely to be charged if you slow down appropriately before the puddle," she revealed, before highlighting that ploughing through puddles at excessive speed is extremely hazardous, particularly if there's snow or ice on the road.
Splashing a pedestrian by driving through a puddle is an offence in the UK under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which pertains to careless and inconsiderate driving.
The usual penalty is a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on your licence, but more serious or deliberate cases can result in heftier fines of up to £5,000 and nine penalty points, particularly if the case goes to court.
Many motorists might not think twice about the shoes they slip on before hopping behind the wheel, but wearing unsuitable footwear when driving could land you with a fine of up to £5,000.
"This means any type of footwear that prevents you from using the controls in the correct way," the woman clarified.
So, reconsider before donning a pair of wellies or work boots, as these could hinder your ability to correctly manoeuvre your feet. Instead, it's recommended to keep a spare pair of trainers or other suitable shoes in your car so you always have them at hand.
For the third point, she continued to disclose: "Defective exterior lights can leave you with a fine of up to £1,000, and the misuse of fog lights can leave you with a £30 fine."
Operating a vehicle with faulty lights is against the law in most areas, and motorists can be hit with penalties including fines and penalty points on their licence. All lighting—from headlights to brake lights and indicators—must be functioning properly and kept clean so you can see the road and remain visible to fellow drivers.
Furthermore, motorists must not use either front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, and you must switch them off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers. Deploying them in foggy conditions is only allowed when visibility is severely restricted.
"And finally, engine idling is also illegal and can leave you with a £40 fine," she said, clarifying that this means leaving your engine running unnecessarily on public roads, such as to warm up the car before driving away.
Under the Highway Code, drivers can be instructed to switch off their engines and, should they decline, may be issued with a £20 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which can increase to £40 if left unpaid.
Exemptions apply when stuck in traffic, defrosting a windscreen, or when the engine is required to operate essential equipment like a wheelchair lift or refrigeration unit.
