How to Avoid Driving Fines During Winter
Driving in winter is undoubtedly challenging—the roads are slippery, and there is decreased visibility. Moreover, the cold weather can also affect your vehicle, making driving more difficult at this time of the year.
“Driving in such conditions calls for extra caution from drivers. Failure to adhere to winter driving rules could result in hefty fines and penalties,” said Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm That aside, you might be involved in accidents, which have their own repercussions.
Winter penalties to avoid include:
- Dirty registration plates
- Careless driving
- Low tread on tyres
- Low visibility
- Snow on the car roof
- Misuse of fog lights
- Defective exterior lights
Here is what you can do to avoid fines during the winter months:
Ensure Your Car Is Well Maintained
Regular vehicle maintenance is one of the best ways to stay safe and on the right side of the law while driving. It is crucial to perform frequent checks, especially during winter. Remember, drivers are more prone to accidents during this time.
Proper maintenance will keep you on the right side of the law, and help you drive smoothly on snowy roads. Regular checkups will prevent breakdowns and increase your vehicle’s road life.
Before going for a drive, ensure your head and exterior lights are working. Defective exterior lights could result in a £1000 fine. Additionally, driving with low visibility could land you a £1000 fine as well.
While working on maintaining your car, check your tires. Ensure that the tyre pressure is at the right level and the tread depth is as required. You can switch from regular tyres to winter tyres as they are better suited to the roads at this time.
Finally, always check your battery’s condition and ensure you top up on your fluids. Always carry out checks before heading out; this will ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, keeping you and other drivers safe.
Keep Lights, Registration Plates, and Windows Clear
Snow on the car roof, windows, and lights is hazardous; therefore, it is wise to always clear any obstructing snow or ice on these surfaces before your journey. This makes driving easier and makes you visible to other motorists.
Failing to clean the windscreen or car roof could result in a fine of £100. Additionally, you could receive three points on your license. If there is a lot of condensation while driving, you can use your air conditioning to help demist your windscreen and windows.
Avoid dirty registration plates. Driving around with a registration plate that is not visible could lead to a £1000 fine. Always clear snow from the front and rear plates before driving.
Avoid Reckless Driving
As mentioned, driving on snow, sleet, and ice-covered roads is quite difficult. For this reason, even expert drivers struggle to navigate such roads. The slippery roads make braking more challenging, requiring drivers to increase their following distance.
Drivers are also required to drive at reasonable speeds without making unexpected swerves and stops. Motorists are not exempted from following traffic rules during winter; in fact, they are expected to exercise extra caution while driving in such conditions and could easily get fined for careless driving.
Reckless behaviors such as driving through puddles, misusing fog lights, and leaving car engines running while parked could result in fines of up to £5000. Therefore, always take the necessary precautions to avoid these potential fines.
Conclusion
Drivers must be prepared to drive in harsh weather conditions such as winter. Proper maintenance is the easiest way to ensure your vehicle is ready for dangerous winter roads. While doing this, ensure that you are visible to other motorists by removing snow or ice debris from windows, lights, and the car roof.
Driving in winter conditions is tough; therefore, be mindful of other motorists to avoid fines and penalties. Pay attention to other motorists and road conditions. Note that the decreased visibility and slippery roads could affect your reaction time.
