5 winter driving mistakes that could cost drivers up to £30k in fines

Motorists have been told to be careful whilst driving this winter, after a car insurance firm disclosed five driving errors that could result in fines of up to £30,000.

The majority of motorists will be aware that winter driving conditions differ significantly from those experienced during the warmer summer months. Throughout winter, road conditions change due to reduced daylight, wet surfaces and often hazier weather, requiring drivers to remain attentive to numerous crucial factors.

Nevertheless, specialists at Rooster Car Insurance have cautioned motorists that five frequent driving errors could result in fines reaching £30,000 if proper precaution isn’t taken.

Speaking on their TikTok account, which boasts over 102,600 followers, a company representative outlined five typical mistakes drivers make during winter that could lead to fines costing thousands of pounds.

“Here’s how to avoid fines that could cost you up to £30,000 this winter,” she announced at the beginning of the video.

Driving through puddles

Initially, she highlighted that merely driving through puddles could incur a fine of up to £5,000 if a pedestrian gets splashed.

“But you are unlikely to be charged if you slow down appropriately before the puddle,” she disclosed, before clarifying that driving through puddles at excessive speed is extremely hazardous, particularly when snow or ice is present on the road.

Splashing pedestrians by driving through puddles constitutes an offence in Britain under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which addresses careless and inconsiderate driving.

Motorists typically face a £100 fixed penalty notice alongside three penalty points on their licence, though more severe or intentional incidents can attract fines reaching £5,000 and nine penalty points, particularly when prosecuted through the courts.

Not wearing appropriate footwear

Numerous motorists may not consider their choice of shoes before taking to the road, yet driving in unsuitable footwear could result in penalties of up to £5,000.

“This means any type of footwear that prevents you from using the controls in the correct way,” the woman explained.

Therefore, reconsider before slipping on wellington boots or heavy work boots, as these may hinder your ability to properly control the pedals. They went on to suggest storing an extra pair of trainers or other appropriate footwear in your vehicle to ensure they’re readily accessible.

Defective exterior lights and fog light misuse

Addressing her third point, she continued: “Defective exterior lights can leave you with a fine of up to £1,000, and the misuse of fog lights can leave you with a £30 fine.”

Operating a vehicle with faulty lights is prohibited in most areas, potentially resulting in penalties including fines and penalty points on your driving licence. All lighting systems, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, must function properly and remain clean to ensure adequate visibility for yourself and other road users.

Furthermore, motorists must refrain from using front or rear fog lights unless visibility is severely compromised, switching them off once conditions improve to prevent dazzling fellow drivers. Their use in foggy conditions is only permitted when visibility is seriously restricted.

Engine idling

“And finally, engine idling is also illegal and can leave you with a £40 fine,” she said, explaining that this refers to leaving your engine running unnecessarily on public roads, such as to warm up the car before driving away.

According to the Highway Code, drivers can be asked to turn off their engines and, if they refuse, may receive a £20 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which can rise to £40 for non-payment.

Exceptions include being in traffic, defrosting a windscreen, or when the engine is needed to power necessary equipment like a wheelchair lift or refrigeration unit.