Drivers who do not clear their windscreen properly this winter could face a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on their licence. Freezing temperatures can leave car windows frozen solid, and setting off without clearing them properly could be treated as a criminal offence.
Highway Code rule 229
Rule 229 of the Highway Code states that, before setting off, drivers must be able to see and remove "all snow and ice" from every window, as well as ensuring mirrors, lights and number plates are clear. The code also requires drivers to demist windows thoroughly, remove any snow that might fall into the path of other road users, and check that the planned route is clear of delays or further severe weather.
Overnight frost, snow and ice can delay drivers in the morning, but unclear windows are not an excuse if police catch anyone driving dangerously. The punishment for "Using a Vehicle in a Dangerous Condition" is a £1,000 fine and three penalty points.
Fine varies depending on the case
The RAC clarifies that while the penalty points are non-negotiable, the fine can vary. A standard roadside ticket is usually around £60, but if the case goes to court or is deemed a severe risk, the maximum fine can reach £1,000 for a standard car, or £2,500 if the vehicle is classed as a goods vehicle.
This problem can be avoided by keeping a bottle of de-icer in the car during winter, as well as one inside the house for mornings when the weather freezes car doors shut.
How to de-ice effectively
Commercial de-icers contain high concentrations of alcohol, giving them very low freezing points. This means the liquid will not freeze, expand, or cause the container to burst in the cold.
It is worth keeping a room-temperature bottle on hand, though, as cold de-icer works much more slowly and is less effective at melting windscreen ice than a bottle kept at room temperature inside the home. Bringing a relatively warm bottle out from the house melts frost far quicker.
