Drivers switching on car engine before 1am on Friday face £2,500 fine

Drivers who are on the road before 1am on Friday have been warned to expect fines if they break a major snow rule. Met Office weather warnings for ice and snow remain in place until midnight tomorrow (Thursday January 9).

Markus Lindblad, a spokesperson for Northerner, warned motorists could be hit with a hefty financial fee if their windscreen covered in snow and ice. Markus said: “While there’s no specific law which prohibits you from driving with snow on your roof, if the snow falls onto your windows, obstructing your vision, or another driver's vision, you could be in trouble!

“You can actually face fines if you can't see out of your vehicle's windows properly. In addition to this, if snow falls off your car onto another vehicle, you could be charged with driving without due consideration or careless driving.

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“This could result in a fine of up to £5,000, up to nine penalty points, or both.” The RAC urged road users to “fully wipe” snow and frost from every car window, with the company also warning over black ice on the roads this week.

They stressed individuals should use a "proper scraper and de-icer” to ensure the job is done properly. Bryn Brooker, spokesperson for Nextbase, said: “As you clear your vehicle, don't forget about the top! Remove all accumulated snow from the roof to prevent it from falling off onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.

“Driving with snow on your car is not explicitly illegal, but if the police catch you driving with snow on your vehicle, you could face a £60 fine and three penalty points." Bryn went on, telling road users in the UK: “This penalty is in accordance with section 229 of the Highway Code, which sets guidelines for driving in adverse weather conditions.”