Winter driving habits that could land you with hefty fines

With Christmas and New Year very much here, money’s tight enough for most — so the last thing you want is an unexpected driving fine. Read on for advice from Ammar Jafer, CEO of Speedy Machine, to ensure you don’t unknowingly break any motoring rules.

Setting off with misted-up windows
Potential fine? Up to £1,000

Mornings get colder and darker by the day — so it’s hardly surprising to see people jump into the car, wipe a tiny patch on the fogged-up windscreen and hope the heaters will “deal with the rest” before they reach the end of the street. However, this is treated no differently than driving with ice or snow blocking your view. “Condensation feels harmless because it doesn’t look as dramatic as frost,” says Ammar. “But if the glass is steamy and you can’t see properly, it’s a visibility offence — one that can turn into a £1,000 hit to your bank account.” It’s really a matter of waiting an extra minute or two. Switching the heater on too soon can make things worse before mist clears — something most drivers don’t realise.

Snow sliding off your roof
Potential fine? Up to £2,500

Clearing the windscreen is standard, whereas clearing the roof is often forgotten — yet it’s one of the biggest winter hazards that leads to avoidable fines. “People think the snow will just blow off harmlessly. But if you brake hard, that whole layer can avalanche straight down the windscreen and blind you completely. Or it flies off and hits the car behind — and suddenly you’re the dangerous driver.” Police can classify this as careless or even dangerous driving depending on what happens next, with penalties ranging from a quick warning to £2,500 fines and multiple points. And it’s not just snow — loose slush and sheets of half-melted ice are just as risky.

Festive decorations blocking your view
Potential fine? Up to £1,000

Christmas is everywhere — so it feels perfectly harmless to bring a bit of that joy to your car to make the commute cheerier. But with winter visibility already poor, those decorations can get in the way faster than people expect. “That’s not to say you can’t have anything Christmassy in the car, but hanging decorations that can swing straight across your eyeline are best avoided,” continues Ammar. “It only takes one moment of distraction, and police won’t care if it’s festive. If it blocks your view, it’s a visibility offence.” Even a tiny obstruction can trigger fines of up to £1,000, with officers often noticing these things when you’re stopped at lights or stuck in traffic — and not necessarily while you’re moving.

Driving in bulky winter boots
Potential fine? Up to £1,000 and nine points

Big winter boots keep your feet warm, but they’re not designed for pedal feel. Thick soles, slippery tread and wide shapes make it harder to brake smoothly or switch between pedals quickly. “A lot of drivers don’t realise how much footwear changes their reaction time. If your boots make you brake too late or misjudge the pedal, police can argue you’re not fully in control.” While wearing winter boots isn’t illegal on its own, Ammar says they’ve contributed to cases where drivers were handed serious penalties — including fines close to £1,000 and up to nine penalty points — so consider leaving a pair of flat shoes in the car specifically for driving on colder days.

Loose Christmas gifts rolling around
Potential fine? Up to £300

This is the season when people throw everything in their car at once: food shopping, gifts, decorations and anything else that doesn’t fit in the boot — usually ending up dumped on the back seat or the passenger floor. However, one sharp stop is all it takes for a heavy gift to shoot forward with some force. “People underestimate how dangerous this can be — and police can treat unsecured items as a safety issue, especially if they interfere with braking or steering.” Fines are usually on the lower end — between £100 and £300 — but the real worry is how easily something can hit you or a passenger inside the car. Instead, make sure bigger presents are tucked in the boot or wedged securely on the back seat, and keep anything that might roll well away from the footwell.