As freezing temperatures grip the UK, drivers are being issued a stark warning that hastily defrosting their vehicles could result in hefty penalties. Motoring experts have highlighted that incorrect practices, including leaving an engine running unattended, could see drivers fined up to £1,000 for repeat offences.
The Costly Offence of 'Idling'
The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) foundation has clarified that leaving your engine running on a public road while you wait for the windscreen to clear – a practice known as 'idling' – is a specific offence. This breaches Rule 123 of the UK Highway Code and contravenes regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
Initially, failing to switch off your engine when instructed can lead to a £20 fixed penalty notice. If unpaid within 28 days, this rises to £40, then £80 after a further two weeks. For persistent offenders, the fine can escalate to a maximum of £1,000. The RAC also stresses that an idling engine is a significant pollutant, producing up to twice the emissions of a moving vehicle. A 2016 report by the Royal College of Physicians linked approximately 40,000 UK deaths annually to air pollution.
This rule applies only to public highways, not private driveways. However, experts urge caution on all roads.
Dangers of an Incomplete Job
Lawyer Gary Rycroft, speaking to BBC Morning Live, warned that failing to properly clear your entire windscreen of ice or snow also carries risks and penalties. He highlighted the danger of 'portholing' – where drivers scrape only a small, circular viewing area – which severely restricts vision.
Using a vehicle with parts in a 'dangerous condition', such as a poorly cleared windscreen, can result in a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Simply clearing the driver's side is insufficient; the entire glass area must be properly de-iced, using wipers only after the ice has fully melted.
How to Defrost Your Car Safely and Legally
The RAC has issued clear guidance for safe and legal car defrosting. Planning ahead is key: keep a dedicated ice-scraper and de-icer in your vehicle. Apply de-icer first, then use the scraper. Manually lift your wipers to check they aren't frozen to the screen before turning them on, to avoid burning out the motor or tearing the blades.
For a homemade solution, you can use water with a teaspoon of salt, or a mix of three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Crucially, never use boiling water, as the sudden temperature change can crack the windscreen. Avoid using credit cards or CD cases, which can snap or scratch the glass.
Finally, the RAC reminds motorists that leaving a car unattended with the keys in the ignition is an open invitation to thieves, with many vehicles stolen this way over the years.
