As snow coats large swathes of the UK, drivers need to know how to clear this windscreen properly.
If they don't, they face being slapped with a huge fine and could find their license with a few more points on it. Here's how to de-ice your windscreen properly and avoid getting that fine.
What is illegal about not de-icing your windscreen properly?
In the rush to get to work, plenty will simply clear off just enough ice so that they can see through a tiny portion while leaving the rest obscured.
But any driver caught with just a small window to see through, referred to as "porthole vision", could be subject to harsh penalties from police.
If they are unable to see through the whole windscreen the car is deemed to be in a "dangerous condition".
According to the highway code, this is what should be done before setting 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
What is the penalty if you are caught not de-icing enough of your windscreen?
Anyone caught "portholing" faces a £60 fine.
Worse still you could be hit with three penalty points under the CU20 penalty code, which describes a driver “causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle in a dangerous condition”.
And if your vehicle condition is classified as "dangerous", you could be fined as much as £2,500 in court and even banned from the road.
ON THIN ICE Know how to drive safely in winter conditions? Test your ability in our quiz
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Drivers should avoid becoming tank-commanders and clear the whole of the windscreen and windows before setting off.
“Thoroughly de-icing the car doesn’t take long at all.
"Getting up 10 minutes early and scraping the car will prevent drivers from picking up a fine and points.
“Drivers should also remain with their cars when clearing ice. Leaving the keys in the ignition and popping back inside to finish your cup of tea is a gift car thieves hope for.”
The best way to de-ice your windscreen
- Mix up a solution of water with a teaspoon of salt and pour it over icy areas
- A mixture of three parts of vinegar to one part of water will also do the trick
- DON'T pour boiling water on to frozen car windows
- DON'T use anything other than a car-specific scraper to remove the frost
- Prevent windscreen frost by soaking an old towel in a solution made up of water and table salt, or a mix of one part of water and two parts of alcohol, then place it over your car windows the night before
Know your road laws
What other trouble could you get in if you don't de-ice properly?
The AA also noted that should a driver be involved in an accident that caused injury while driving with the windscreen obscured by ice, it is likely that they would be charged with careless or dangerous driving.
This offence carries significantly more severe punishments.
And leaving your engine running to de-frost your windscreen can land you with a £40 fine and void your insurance.
Here's how to de-ice your windscreen without damaging your carncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqamraeiqHx1hJZpanFtX528uHnDnmSim5VixKq6w6yaq52Vo3qxu9Gtn6ikmaO0brLIp5xmqJWjrq3A2Gg%3D