Motorists who fail to clear snow from their cars risk penalty points and a fine and will also nationally waste hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of fuel by driving off with added weight on the roof.
Research reveals that almost one in five, equating to nearly 6 million motorists in the UK don’t remove snow from their cars before setting out.
While most people clear snow from their windscreen and rear window and even their drive, many leave the roof of their cars untouched. This could lead to prosecution for careless or inconsiderate driving if they were involved in an accident.
Situations where this could occur include: snow left on the roof falling forward onto a driver’s windscreen, obscuring the view. Or similarly if the snow falls off backwards causing a hazard for motorists travelling behind.
Police warn the fixed penalty for driving with an obscured windscreen is three points and a £60 fine, but the consequences can be far greater if snow from your car is deemed to have been a factor in an accident. Rule 229 of the Highway Code states: • Before you set off you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.
• You must ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible, make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.
• Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.
• Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
