UK drivers are being urgently warned about a common winter mistake that could land them with penalty points and substantial fines as Arctic conditions grip the country.
The Legal Risks of Icy Windscreens
With temperatures plummeting due to freezing Arctic air, motorists face a serious legal threat if they fail to properly clear their windscreens before driving. Police can prosecute drivers for careless or dangerous driving if they're spotted with obscured vision.
A spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar.com explained: "The law is clear that you must have an unobstructed view in all directions before driving." They emphasised that partially clearing ice or snow isn't sufficient and constitutes a dangerous practice.
Potential Penalties and Fines
Most offences for driving with an obstructed view result in a £60 fixed penalty notice and three points on the driver's licence. However, more severe cases where vision is significantly impaired can lead to court action and much higher fines.
The motoring expert revealed: "In some court cases, fines for driving with heavily obscured windscreen have reached several hundred pounds - we have seen reports of fines up to £500 or more, depending on the severity." The risk increases dramatically if the offence contributes to an accident.
Proper Winter Preparation
Experts advise drivers to keep ice scrapers and de-icer in their vehicles at all times during winter months. They strongly warn against using boiling water on frozen windscreens, which can cause thermal shock and crack the glass.
Drivers should ensure all windows, lights and mirrors are completely clear before setting off. Additionally, snow should be removed from the vehicle's roof and bonnet to prevent it falling and blocking vision during the journey or affecting other road users.
The warning comes as many motorists face frozen or misted windscreens during morning commutes and school runs, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions for those who take shortcuts in their vehicle preparation.
