Drivers have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 for defrosting their cars incorrectly as cold weather sets in. The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has cautioned that leaving an engine running unattended on a public road is an offence known as “idling”, which breaches rule 123 of the UK Highway Code under regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
An idling stationary engine produces up to twice as many emissions as one in motion, contributing to air pollution. The Royal College of Physicians estimated in 2016 that 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are linked to air pollution. Failing to turn off an engine when instructed can result in a fixed penalty notice of £20, which can escalate to £40 if unpaid within 28 days, then £80, and eventually up to £1,000 for repeat offenders.
The rule does not apply on private driveways, but drivers on public roads must comply. Lawyer Gary Rycroft, speaking to BBC Morning Live, also warned against “portholing” – scraping only a small area of ice from the windscreen – which can lead to dangerous lack of vision. Using a vehicle in a “dangerous condition” can result in a £60 fine and three penalty points.
Drivers must de-ice the entire windscreen, not just the driver’s side, and should use wipers only after ice has melted. The RAC also noted that leaving a car running with keys in the ignition has led to many thefts.
