With winter in full swing and parts of the UK experiencing snow and ice, many of us still need to get out and about in our cars.

When driving in winter, it’s important to know about the ways you could be fined.

Car Lease Special Offers has rounded up five of the fines you’ll want to avoid this winter.

5 driving fines to avoid this winter that could cost you up to £10k

A snowy registration plate

While you might remember to clear the snow and ice off your windscreen and windows, it’s important to also clear your number plate.

If the registration plate is covered in either snow or dirt and grit from the road, drivers could face a £1,000 fine.

A number plate that can’t be read clearly is considered as obstructing the police since they use number plates to check if a car is properly taxed, insured and has a valid MOT.

The Bolton News:

Careless driving on icy roads

Careless driving can include simple things like not keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front, driving too fast even if you’re driving within the speed limit and taking a corner too quickly when the roads are icy.

Icy roads can affect braking times and handling.

New Highway Code rules in 2022

Wearing snow boots while driving

While you might think wrapping up and wearing some warm boots is a good idea in the cold weather, you’ll need to have a change of footwear with you if you plan to drive.

Highway Code 97 says drivers should make sure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.

If you violate this code, you could end up with a £100 fine and three points on your driving licence but it is more likely that you’ll be given a warning or offered an educational driving seminar instead.

Driving through puddles

In winter, drivers should be careful when driving through slush and puddles because if they drive through a large puddle and splash a pedestrian they could end up having to pay a £100 fine or end up with a £5,000 fine if the affected pedestrian takes the matter to court, according to the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The Bolton News:

Low tyre pressure

Tyres lose their tyre pressure much easier in cold weather and it’s worth keeping an eye on them as it can result in a fine.

The Highway Code penalty table states you could be fined £2,500 and handed three points for careless driving.

It means that if you’re found to be driving your vehicle in a dangerous condition by letting your tyres go below pressure regulations and legal tread depth rules, you could get a fine for each tyre that fails.

Will Bullen, automotive expert at Car Lease Special Offers, advises that “in the winter months, you should check your tyre pressure once a week or you could face a hefty fine. If all four tyres fail, you could be looking at a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your license.”

Will Bullen says: “It’s important for drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in winter, to avoid accidents as well as fines. By highlighting these potential fines drivers may not be aware of, hopefully, motorists can avoid paying out a substantial amount, as well as gaining points on their licence.

“You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly, but we recommend checking more frequently in colder weather as tyres lose pressure more quickly. This could save drivers a £10,000 fine and 12 points on their licence.”