Driving expert warns of de-icer mistake that could land you with hefty fine

27 January 2023 , 17:59

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The simple mistake could leave motorists with a hefty fine (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

When the weather is bitterly cold, it's pretty common to have hats, gloves, scarves, or even ice scrapers to hand. While these items are relatively harmless, placing them incorrectly in your car means you can potentially face a hefty fine.

Not putting away these items correctly could set you back up to £2,500 in parking fines, Liverpool Echo reports. Throwing them items on the floor, for example, could mean that the objects land in the footwell and affect your ability to drive safely.

This would be considered dangerous driving, as you might not be able to safely use the pedals or see clearly due to obstruction or reflection.

Leaving de-icers in the car is considered dangerous driving (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A new study by the car insurance team at revealed that drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for not keeping their dashboards and footwells clear from obstruction.

Items can include beanies, gloves and ice scrapers.

Tips to stop windscreen freezing and prevent blades from sticking to window

While there is no specific law that says your car must be kept clean at all times, the Highway Code states that a driver's vision must be free from obstruction.

Failure to do so results in drivers facing a heavy fine, three penalty points, or even losing their licence for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition in relation to visibility.

It can also include having smears or marks on the inside of your windscreen or clutter on dashboards that could obscure visibility of the road.

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at said: "It's important to regularly clean the inside of your vehicle and remove any potential dangers or distractions that could impact the ability to drive safely.

"Under the Highway Code, failing to do this would be considered dangerous driving, and could land drivers with an unlimited fine or three to eleven penalty points on their license.

"The fact that 47% of Brits are unaware they could be fined or given penalty points for a dirty interior windscreen is concerning and the importance of removing hazards and distractions from the inside of a vehicle should be taken seriously, to ensure the safety of themselves, and other road users."

Actions that come under dangerous driving that you may be unaware of include:

• Items on the dashboard blocking the windscreen - Place your winter wear somewhere out of the way whilst you drive.

• Items moving in the car that cause the driver to be distracted - Don't have winter supplies sliding around your car.

• Messy footwells that may lead to the pedals being obstructed - make sure you properly store winter boots.

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