Drivers could be slapped with £5,000 fine for little-known rainy day mistake
Some things that will get you slapped with a driving fine are pretty obvious, like speeding or using a mobile phone. There are a few things that are less obvious – but could still lead you to have to pay a hefty fine.
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder and wetter, it's important to be aware that there are seasonal things drivers should take into consideration when planning to travel by car. If you pay attention to these details, you could avoid getting fined.
Traffic accidents peak between November and January, so it's also worth making sure that you are keeping yourself and loved ones safe. With Christmas around the corner, no one wants any bad news, whether that's an unexpected fine or an accident.
You could rack up a £5,000 fine if you are caught splashing pedestrians on a rainy day. It's illegal as it amounts to driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons" under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you're found guilty of deliberately driving through puddles and splashing pedestrians, you could get a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points – but the maximum punishment is a £5,000 fine.
The winter weather can also make visibility more challenging, with snow, ice, and mist making windscreens impossible to see through. It's really important to make sure windows are fully de-misted and snow and ice is cleared from your car before you drive anywhere. If you fail to do so, you could risk a fine of between £60 and £5,000, as well as getting three to nine points on your licence.
Tips to stop windscreen freezing and prevent blades from sticking to window
Make sure to de-ice and demist your car before driving anywhere in the winter (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)While it's important to make sure you are warm, bundling up too much can be dangerous. Big coats can restrict your mobility, scarves and hats can affect your visibility, and gloves can make it harder to grip the gear stick or steering wheel. You can be fined up to £5,000 for careless and inconsiderate driving, so make sure your winter clothes don't get in the way of your driving.
On misty or foggy mornings, drivers should only use their fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres – about the length of a football field. If fog lights are used incorrectly, this could dazzle other road users and lead to a £50 fixed penalty notice.
If you are travelling with pets, make sure they are restrained correctly. This is to make sure they remain safe, as well as to avoid any potential fines. You can use seat belt harnesses, carriers, or dog guards to make sure your pet doesn't distract you while driving. If your pet isn't restrained safely, you could be charged for driving without due care and attention, which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine penalty points.
Another animal-related thing to be aware of is checking under your car before you drive, especially on cold mornings. Cats and other animals have been known to curl up in wheel arches or under cars, and they could be seriously injured or killed if you drive off without checking.
What are your top tips for driving in the winter? Share them in the comments below.
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