As temperatures plummet across the UK, a leading motoring expert has issued an urgent warning to drivers about a common winter mistake that could result in a staggering £1,000 fine and penalty points on your licence.
With frost and ice becoming a daily morning challenge for millions of motorists, many are unknowingly risking severe penalties by taking shortcuts in their morning routine.
The Costly Morning Mistake
According to the expert, the critical error occurs when drivers attempt to drive with obscured vision due to frost or ice on their windscreen. "Many people don't realise that driving with a partially cleared windscreen isn't just dangerous—it's illegal," the motoring specialist explained.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 clearly states that drivers must have a full view of the road ahead at all times. Failure to properly clear all windows before setting off can be deemed as driving without due care and attention, potentially resulting in three penalty points and a £100 fine that can escalate to £1,000 if taken to court.
Proper Defrosting Techniques
Never use boiling water to defrost your windscreen, as the sudden temperature change can cause glass to crack or shatter, creating an expensive repair bill.
Instead, experts recommend these safe methods:
- Use a proper ice scraper and de-icer spray
- Allow extra time for your car to warm up and defrost properly
- Ensure ALL windows are completely clear, not just a small section of the windscreen
- Check that your mirrors and number plates are also free from ice and snow
The Dangers of Limited Visibility
Driving with restricted vision dramatically increases the risk of accidents, particularly during winter when road conditions are already hazardous. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles become much harder to spot through icy or fogged windows.
"It only takes one unseen hazard to cause a serious collision," the expert warned. "Those few minutes you save by not properly defrosting could cost you much more than a fine—they could cost lives."
Plan Ahead for Winter Mornings
The key to avoiding both fines and accidents is preparation. Setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier can make the difference between a safe journey and a potentially disastrous one.
Many modern vehicles come equipped with heated windscreens and remote starters, but even with these technologies, drivers should still perform visual checks to ensure complete visibility before driving.
As winter tightens its grip on Britain, this expert advice serves as a crucial reminder that vehicle safety should never be compromised, regardless of how rushed you might feel on those cold, dark mornings.
