How to avoid breaking the law and landing fines while driving in snow
DRIVING in snow can not only be terrifying and dangerous but it could also land you in heaps of trouble with the law due to simple errors.
Driving in snow tips to help you avoid breaking the law
Driving during the torrent of bad weather plaguing the UK over the past few days is an intimidating prospect.
Not only does snow and ice make surfaces slippery and dangerous, reducing traction and grip but the crosswinds and reduced visibility can be fatal.
Reports from the AA suggested that since the storms arrived in Britain 2,500 private cars were involved in bumps, scrapes and crashes on Tuesday which could around £3million of damage.
Drivers need to be aware that a number of simple errors they can make during these storms can result in fines and penalty point endorsements.
Here is a breakdown of the errors you could be making on the roads that could see you land hefty fines and punishments:
Meteorologist offers simple solution to defrosting icy windscreen
Defrost windscreen
Failing to clear all the snow on the roof of your car can lead to a fine of up to £60 and penalise you with there penalty points.
Under section 229 of the Highway Code it outlines how drivers should prepare their car before they set off after adverse weather conditions.
“You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.
"Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.”
Failing to shift all the ice from the windscreen could see you fined and invalidate your car insurance if you need to make a claim.
The reduced field of view from the ice on the screen is dubbed ‘porthole vision’ and can put the driver and other road users at risk.
Number plates
It is a legal requirement for a number plate to be clear and free from obscurities.
This refers to snow, ice, dirt and any thing that stops it from being legible.
Drivers that fail to keep their number plate clear and visible could land a fine of up to £1,000.
Clear all glass and lights
This is bundled together with properly defrosting windscreen.
All the glass panels must be kept clear, as should the mirrors and lights.
It is a legal requirement under section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.
Snow roof
While driving with snow on the roof of your car is not illegal, you could still be fined for it.
Under rule 228 of the Highway Code it states that drivers must clear all the snow that could affect other road users.
It reads: "Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.”
The penalty for being caught with snow on your roof that has been deemed to affect other road users is £60 and three penalty points.
Snow could fly off the roof of your car and into the path or view of another motorist, which could be potentially dangerous.
Drivers shoudl clear snow from the roof, windscreen, lights and glass panels
Car insurance
When defrosting your car, you should not leave your car unattended.
If you do and it is stolen then your car insurance could be immediately invalidated.
Similarly if you leave it running unattended on a public road you could also land a fine of £20 for engine idling.