UK drivers have been warned that wearing winter clothing behind the wheel could result in fines of up to £1,000. The warning comes as temperatures across the country continue to drop, with experts highlighting a little-known rule that prevents motorists from wearing basic clothing items even in cold weather.
Highway Code Rule 97 Explained
According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers must have "footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner". This means thick coats, gloves, hats and scarves that impact a driver's ability to control the vehicle properly could lead to costly consequences.
Clare Freemantle, sales and marketing director at Harwoods Group, said Rule 97 means motorists can be caught out simply by wrapping up warm. She told the Hampshire Chronicle: "As the temperatures get cooler, drivers are unintentionally opening themselves up to breaking the law."
Risks of Driving in Winter Clothing
Freemantle added: "This means as drivers wrap up in gloves, coats, hats and scarves for the winter months, they could be putting themselves at risk of receiving a fine." She explained that while gloves keep your "hands toasty", they can loosen your grip on the steering wheel, and with temperatures set to plummet further, driving with gloves on whilst it is snowing "can put you in unnecessary danger".
She also noted: "Scarves can also impact your vision, as can large puffer jackets and thick woolly hats. Ear warmers can also stop you from being able to hear other cars and sirens from emergency vehicles."
Fines and Penalties
Breaking Rule 97 of the Highway Code carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and 3 penalty points on a driving licence. However, careless driving or failure to have proper control can result in fines rising to £1,000.
The Met Office long-range forecast for October 31 to November 9 states that parts of the UK will experience overnight and morning fog, leading to chill weather, though temperatures will remain close to average. The forecast said: "Pressure is set to build in the vicinity of the UK as we move into early November, with a lot of dry weather as a result. Before this occurs, a weather front bringing some rain will be in place across some western and northern areas at the very start of this period, but is likely to weaken quickly as high pressure takes charge."
It added: "Within the high pressure, some places, perhaps more likely towards the east, will likely see overnight and morning fog, which at this time of year could take a while to clear and where it lingers, it will remain chilly. Otherwise, temperatures generally fairly close to average for most during this period."
