Drivers make this common mistake in cold weather but it could result in £2,500 fine

Temperatures are set to plummet to icy levels over the next few days, meaning drivers will be reaching for the scrapers and de-icer before setting off on the morning commute or taking the kids to school. For most of us, this is an added hassle we can do without when we're in a rush to get going.

And for this reason, many drivers make a common mistake which could land them in trouble if caught. It's called 'portholing' and is when motorists clear only a small area of their windscreen to see out of. They might think they can see enough to allow them to drive but this practice is incredibly dangerous because it means their peripheral vision is likely to be blocked, making an accident more likely.

Motorists have been encouraged to give themselves more time on cold mornings so they are not in as much of a rush, so they can allow their windscreen to fully clear before setting off. Someone on the road without having fully cleared their windscreen of snow, ice or mist could be judged to be dangerous or careless driving.

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It's means it will be harder for them to see other cars as well as pedestrians and cyclists, increasing the chances of collisions. They could be hit with a heavy fine ranging from £60 up to £2,500 and potentially prosecuted.

Experts at Windscreen Wipers said: "A tempting but dangerous habit is portholing. This is when drivers only clear a patch of the windscreen, a ‘porthole’, to look through when they are driving. This is dangerous and can land you with a hefty fine of £60 rising to £2,500 if your driving is deemed to be dangerous. Make sure that you always clear your entire windscreen before setting off."