Winter Saftey Driving Tips

20 November 2025 | Phil Evans

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Winter in the UK brings a mixed bag of challenges for motorists. From sudden cold snaps and icy mornings to heavy rain and the occasional snow flurry, the changing conditions can catch even experienced drivers off guard. Winter doesn’t just bring with it a colder steering wheel; there are plenty of safety hazards you need to be aware of if you’re driving in winter.

Knowing the rules around winter weather driving fines in the UK is just as important as knowing how to handle a skid or de-ice your windscreen correctly. Whether you’re a learner driver facing your first icy commute, borrowing a vehicle with temporary van insurance, or just need temporary car insurance to stay mobile, a little preparation goes a long way. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep you moving safely this winter, from essential car checks to the legal pitfalls you need to avoid.

How to Improve Winter Driving: Essential Vehicle Checks

Before you even turn the key, your car needs to be ready for the drop in temperature. Breakdowns are more common in winter, often due to issues that could have been spotted with a quick check.

Here’s a simple checklist to run through:

Battery health: Cold weather is a battery killer. If your car struggles to start on chilly mornings, get the battery tested. It’s better to replace it now than to be stranded in the freezing cold.
Tyres: Your tyres are your only contact with the road. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, experts recommend at least 3mm for winter driving to cope with wet and icy surfaces. Check your pressures regularly, too, as they can drop with the temperature.
Lights and visibility: Get someone to walk around your car and check every bulb – headlights, brake lights, fog lights, and indicators. Or, use reflections to check your lights are working. Salt and grit can build up on lenses quickly, so give them a wipe down often.
Wipers and screenwash: Check your wiper blades for splits or tears. Top up your screenwash with a proper winter mix that won’t freeze when the temperature hits zero.
Fluids: Check your oil and coolant levels. Your coolant needs to have the right amount of antifreeze to protect your engine from freezing solid.

For a more detailed run-through, take a look at our car maintenance checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything.

Safe Driving Tips in Winter

Once you’re on the road, your driving style needs to adapt. The golden rule for driving in the winter is “slow and smooth”. Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering can cause your tyres to lose grip.

Adjust Your Stopping Distances

One of the biggest risks in winter is underestimating how long it takes to stop.

Rain: stopping distances are at least double what they are on dry roads.
Ice and Snow: stopping distances can be up to 10 times greater.

Always leave a much larger gap between you and the vehicle in front. This gives you the time and space to react if something goes wrong.

Handling Snow and Ice

If you find yourself driving on snow or ice, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. If you have an automatic car, check if it has a ‘winter mode’. When setting off, be gentle with the clutch and throttle.

If you do skid, don’t panic and don’t slam on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently into the direction of the skid until your tyres regain grip.

If you’re a learner or a new driver feeling nervous about these conditions, it might be worth building your skills with an appropriate driving supervisor or booking some extra lessons. Our temporary learner driver insurance is perfect for getting that extra practice in a parent’s or friend’s car.

Winter Weather Driving Fines

Winter driving isn’t just about safety; it’s about avoiding penalties, too. There are several laws that catch drivers out during the colder months.

Is it Illegal to Drive with Snow on Your Car?

Strictly speaking, there is no specific law that says “you must remove snow from your roof”. However, it is illegal to drive a vehicle in a dangerous condition or without a clear view of the road.

If snow from your roof falls onto your windscreen – or flies off onto the car behind you – you could be charged with “driving without due consideration for other road users”. This can lead to a £60 fine and three penalty points. If the incident is serious and goes to court, fines can rise significantly, and you could even face disqualification.

Clear Your Windows & Mirrors

Rule 229 of the Highway Code requires you to have a clear view of the road before setting off. This means:

De-ice all windows: Not just a “porthole” on the driver’s side.
Clear your mirrors: They need to be usable.
Demist thoroughly: Don’t drive off while the inside of the windscreen is still foggy.

Police can issue a fine of £60 and three points for an obstructed windscreen. If you’re thought to be driving the vehicle in a dangerous condition, if you can’t see, you could end up with a fine of £1,000 or more.

The Idling Offence

It’s tempting to leave the engine running to warm up the car while you wait inside the house, but this is known as “idling” and is an offence on public roads. You could be hit with a £20 fixed penalty notice. It’s also an open invitation to car thieves – and if your car is stolen while left running with keys in the ignition, your insurance likely won’t cover you.

Wearing the Right Shoes

It might sound surprising, but driving in wellies or heavy winter boots can land you in trouble. Rule 97 of the Highway Code says you must wear footwear that “does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”. If your boots are too wide and hit two pedals at once, or if snow-covered soles slip off the brake, you could be charged with “driving without due care and attention”. This carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points, but if it goes to court, fines can be much higher. Keep a pair of sensible driving shoes in the car and swap them before you set off.

Using Fog Lights Correctly

Fog lights are a vital safety feature, but using them when you don’t need to is illegal. You must only use them when visibility is seriously reduced – generally to less than 100 metres (about the length of a football pitch). Leaving them on in light rain or drizzle can dazzle other drivers and obscure your brake lights. Misuse can result in a £50 fixed penalty notice, so remember to switch them off as soon as conditions improve.

Keep Your Number Plate Visible

Winter roads mean mud, slush, and grit, which can quickly cover your number plate. The law states your registration plate must be clearly readable at all times. A dirty or obscured number plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Get into the habit of wiping your plates (and your lights) every time you clear your windscreen. It takes seconds, but it could save you a significant fine.

For more on what can catch you out, read our guide on the common causes of driving fines.

Are you Insured if you Drive in a Weather Warning?

The short answer is usually yes. Comprehensive insurance typically remains valid even during Red or Amber weather warnings from the Met Office.

However, this doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. If you drive recklessly – for example, ignoring “Road Closed” signs or driving into floodwater – your insurer might reject a claim based on negligence. Always follow the advice of local authorities. If the advice is “do not travel,” it’s best to listen.

If you need to drive for an emergency or need to borrow a more capable vehicle (like a 4×4) for bad weather, temporary car insurance can be a lifesaver, getting you covered on a different vehicle in minutes.

What are Five Tips for Safe Winter Driving?

Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind every time you head out this winter:

Plan your journey: Check the forecast and traffic reports. If the weather is severe, ask yourself if the trip is really necessary.
Pack an emergency kit: Keep a bag in the boot with a blanket, torch, shovel, de-icer, scraper, first aid kit, and some non-perishable food and water.
Dress for the outside: It might be warm in the car, but if you break down, you’ll need warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and a coat.
Keep your fuel topped up: Getting stuck in heavy traffic or snow burns fuel. Keep your tank at least a quarter full to ensure you can run the heater if you get stranded.

Know who to call: Have your breakdown cover number and insurance details handy. If you’re involved in a bump, check our guide on whose insurance to call after an accident.

Why Temporary Insurance Helps in Winter

Winter often throws up situations where your usual car just isn’t up to the job, or plans change at the last minute. Maybe your car won’t start on a frosty morning, and you need to borrow a partner’s car to get to work. Perhaps you’re going on a road trip, but your car isn’t fit for the bad weather conditions. Temporary insurance allows you to hop into a car or van for just the hours or days you need it, without committing to an annual policy.

Whatever the weather throws at you, we’re here to help keep you moving. Stay safe, take it slow, and ensure you’re covered before you turn the key. Check out our new temporary insurance app to get covered in just a few taps this winter.

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Winter Saftey Driving Tips

How to Improve Winter Driving: Essential Vehicle Checks