Drivers have been warned that they could face hefty fines this winter if they fail to prepare their car properly for the road when ice and snow arrive.
It can be a time-consuming task to clear snow and ice from your vehicle, and some may be tempted not to do a thorough job if they have to rush out on the morning commute. But if you don't make sure you fully clear windscreens and windows, this is seen as posing a safety risk on the road and you could land yourself in trouble with the law.
The Highway Code states that you must be able to see out of every window in your vehicle when driving in adverse weather conditions by law. This means that failing to properly clear ice or snow from your car before you drive could land you a staggering £2,500 fine and three penalty points, no matter how short a journey you're making, BirminghamLive reports.
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Comparethemarket said: "When it’s icy or snowy, drivers need to make sure their windows and mirrors are clear and demisted, their lights are clean, and that their number plates are clearly visible and legible before they set off. It’s also important to remove any snow from the top of the car, as this could fall off into the path of other road users or block the view from the front or back windscreen."
The RAC added that while driving with snow on your roof is not illegal in itself, if it moves and ends up obstructing your or another driver's view while on the road this poses a considerable safety risk and could see you penalised for 'driving without due consideration' or 'using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition'. They urge motorists to invest in a proper scraper and de-icer to fully clean ice and snow from their car and avoid fines.
Julie Daniels, a member of the car insurance team at Comparethemarket, advised motorists that there are some extra steps they can take to make sure their car is prepared for the winter. "It’s essential that drivers stick to the rules of the road all-year-round, but staying alert and in control of the vehicle is especially important during winter, where the colder weather can present additional hazards," she said.
"Checking that your tyres have good pressure and enough tread for grip, topping your screen wash with a formula containing antifreeze, and making sure that your battery is well-maintained are a few things that can be done in preparation."
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