Winter Driving Laws and Hazards

As the weather begins to turn, UK drivers must prepare themselves for those dangerous winter roads. Although most drivers are aware of the dangers the colder months present, there are some lesser known hazards and rules drivers might not know. 

Failure to follow these rules could land drivers with fines of up to £5,000, which none of us need. So we are going to run through these hidden hazards and driving rules so you can avoid any unwanted costs.

Andy Moody, Founder and Managing Director of GoShorty says:

“During the winter months, we must all take extra precautions when on the road, even some of the most experienced drivers can get caught out during this time of year. It’s the most hazardous time to drive, so by taking care to follow the Highway Code, we can keep each other safe. 

“Clearing windows and number plates, ensuring we’re wearing the correct footwear, using our lights correctly, making sure our vehicles are in correct working order and driving carefully are all small measures we can take to ensure the roads are safe to drive on during the festive period. Drivers can also take extra precautions such as checking and planning their routes ahead of time, switching to winter tyres to improve traction on slippery roads and slowing down when on the road to allow for more distance between themselves and the vehicles ahead.”

Clearing your Windows Properly

In the cold weather, car windows can become a hazard as they fill up with steam, frost or snow as temperatures fall. It is important that drivers de-ice their vehicle completely before setting off, in order to have a clear vision of the road and not endanger themselves and other drivers. 

Rule 229 of the Highway Code reads ‘you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows’. Failure to follow this means you are considered to be driving a vehicle in a ‘dangerous condition’, which could land you with a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence.

Ensuring your Lights and Number Plates are Visible

Just like your windows, your lights and number plates will become obscured by the winter elements. Take the time to clear off any ice or snow that may be stuck to them in order to keep in line with Rule 229 once again, which states that ‘you must ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible’. 

Drivers who have dirty or hard-to-read number plates and snow-covered lights are at risk of receiving a £1000 fine for each of these issues! So don’t risk it, give them a wipe down before driving or risk wiping your bank account in the middle of the festive season!

Leaving your Car Running

When things are cold and frosty outside, it is common to start-up and leave your car running to warm up before setting off. 

However, rule 123 of the Highway Code states that ‘you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road’. So, in doing so you are breaking the Highway Code, and could see you issued with a £20 on the spot fine.