The do’s and don’ts of cold weather motoring – and how to avoid a hefty fine

• Forecast predicts freezing temperatures throughout this week
• Drivers urged to allow extra time for clearing ice off windscreens
• Fines of up to £2500 for failing to remove snow and ice from cars
• GEM has tips to keep you safe and legal

Winter weather is predicted for many parts of the country this week, and GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to put safety first on journeys. The road safety and breakdown organisation says it’s best to postpone a journey if conditions are poor, and to ensure you check for weather updates on the radio or online before travelling.

“Never drive your car if you can’t see properly out of it,” says GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst. “Not only does it greatly increase the risk of a collision, it could also land you with an expensive fine and points on your licence.

“During cold weather, factor in some extra time to scrape windscreens, remove dirt and ensure your lights are clear and working properly. The extra few minutes spent preparing properly will help avoid danger – and keep the pounds in your pocket.”

Tips for drivers

GEM has assembled a quick guide to de-icing your car before a journey, and also identifies how you should stay on the right side of the law:

GEM’s simple guide to de-icing your car:

Use a cover. If you need to keep your car outside overnight, consider placing a cover over the windscreen as this will keep it free from ice.

Sweep the snow. If there’s snow as well as ice on your car, sweep it away with a brush.

Have a proper scraper designed specifically for the job of removing ice. Random sharp-edged items pulled in haste from the glove compartment or door pockets are not recommended as they could damage the glass.

No hot water thank you! If you pour hot water over the windscreen you risk cracking it, simply because glass expands quickly when it heats.

Invest in a can of de-icer. It’s a great time-saver in extreme cold when ice layers are particularly thick on your windscreen.

Don’t fall foul of the law:

Check you can see all round.

You must be able to see clearly out of every window, so ensure you have removed all ice and snow before you set off. Ensure mirrors are clear and all windows are free from condensation. Failure to do so could lead to a £1000 fine and three penalty points.

Remove snow from the car roof and bonnet.

If snow slides down onto your windscreen when you’re driving, or is lifted off your car roof and into the path of another vehicle, you could be prosecuted for driving without due consideration, or even using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. The penalty is up to £2500 and three points.

Don’t leave the engine running unnecessarily when you’re stationary.

Not only is it an offence, it also wastes fuel and is bad for the environment.

Ensure your numberplate is visible.

Clear snow, ice and dirt from your number plate. Also, make sure there’s no dirt, ice or snow covering your lights or indicators. Offenders can be fined from £20, or £80 in areas of London.

Don’t splash pedestrians in wet weather.

You risk a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence if you’re caught – with the risk of much higher penalties if the case goes to court.

Get your lights right.

Don’t rely on automatic light settings or daytime running lights during the winter. You must use dipped headlights at night and whenever visibility is seriously reduced.  You should only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, and remember to switch them off when visibility improves. Failing to do so can lead to a £50 fine.

Keep up to date with GEM Motoring Assist at:

Twitter: @motoringassist

Facebook: @gemmotoringassist

Instagram: @gem_motoringassist

LinkedIn: GEM Motoring Assist | Breakdown Cover and Road Safety