Winter Driving Laws UK Motorists Need to Know to Avoid Fines and Penalties

UK drivers have been warned about the potential motoring fines and penalties they could face while on the roads this winter. 

 

From leaving snow on your car to misusing fog lights, motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com highlight the winter-specific rules that drivers may unknowingly break – potentially resulting in hefty fines.

 

Many motoring rules are designed to protect drivers and other road users throughout the year, but some become especially important during winter.

 

When faced with adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, heavy rain, and fog, drivers need to be more vigilant and aware of these rules than at other times of the year.

 

Breaking some winter-specific regulations can be costly, with fines reaching £1,000 or more.

 

Accumulating penalty points can also lead to increased insurance premiums or even the loss of your licence – a particular concern for new drivers who face stricter thresholds.

 

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com, commented: “During the winter months, drivers should take extra precautions before setting off by thoroughly clearing snow and ice from their vehicles, ensuring all windows, mirrors, and lights are clear, and maintaining visibility at all times. Checking tyre conditions, such as tread depth and pressure, is crucial for safe driving in adverse weather.

 

“Ignorance of driving laws has never been, and will never be, a valid defence for breaking these rules, so drivers need to stay informed and understand the rules of the road to avoid fines and keep themselves and others safe.

 

“Above all, always adhere to the Highway Code to remain compliant with UK driving laws and help prevent accidents, particularly during challenging winter conditions.”

 

1. Leaving Snow on Your Car

While not explicitly illegal, failing to clear snow from your car roof can lead to charges if it falls onto your windscreen or another road user’s vehicle, obstructing visibility or causing a hazard. 

 

Associated penalties can range from £60 and three penalty points if you are caught driving with snow on the roof of your car to fines of up to £5,000 in the worst instance – if it leads to a collision. 

 

2. Not Clearing Your Windscreen

Driving with a dirty, icy, or foggy windscreen is dangerous and illegal, as it significantly impairs visibility. Failing to clear your windscreen of snow or ice properly could lead to a fixed penalty notice under the CU20 penalty code, carrying a £60 fine and three penalty points.

 

3. Dirty Number Plates

Under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, being caught with a dirty number plate can result in an on-the-spot fine of £100. If the matter goes to court, this fine can increase to a level 3 penalty of up to £1,000. So, drivers should remove snow, ice, and dirt from all areas of their vehicles this winter.

 

4. Using Fog Lights Improperly

Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100 metres), as using them unnecessarily can dazzle other drivers. Motorists could face £50 fines for misusing their fog lights in murky weather or heavy rain.

 

5. Insufficient Tread Depth on Tyres

Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. If the police stop you and your tyres are found to be below the legal tyre tread depth limit, you can receive three penalty points on your driving licence and be fined up to £2,500 per illegal tyre!

 

6. Driving Too Slowly or Cautiously

Driving too slowly or cautiously breaks Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Motorists who are found to be moving too slowly face an eye-watering £5,000 fine and nine penalty points on their licence.

 

7. Splashing Pedestrians

Deliberately or carelessly splashing pedestrians with water from puddles can lead to prosecution for careless and inconsiderate driving. Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, you can be prosecuted for careless, aggressive or inconsiderate behaviour on the road. You could be summoned to court, fined £150 and given three penalty points. The same applies to cyclists!