Get Set for Winter: Seasonal Driving Guide
When winter hits, even a quick drive can feel like an expedition - and not always a pleasant one. One minute you’re admiring the frost, the next you’re squinting through a fogged-up windscreen, praying your wipers can handle sleet and salt spray.
But here’s the thing: winter driving isn’t just about staying upright on an icy B-road - it’s about staying on the right side of the law. Every year, thousands of drivers are caught out by simple slip-ups that could easily be avoided: snow left on the roof, unreadable number plates, even using fog lights when you shouldn’t.
With a few tweaks to your routine and a little insider knowledge, you can glide through the season safely, legally, and most importantly, safely - while everyone else is scraping frost and muttering about fines. So, here’s a MotorEasy guide to driving laws to help prepare for the upcoming frosty season, packed with everything you need to know to stay safe and penalty-free this winter.
Get prepared and avoid those fines!
Clear vision is non-negotiable
The law requires drivers to have a completely unobstructed view of the road. If your windscreen or mirrors are iced, fogged or covered in snow, you could face a £60 fine and three penalty points. And it’s not just about the glass - failing to remove snow from the roof that later slides down or flies off could also land you in legal trouble for “driving without due consideration.”
Keep your number plate visible
Under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, your number plate must always be readable. Driving with one that’s obscured by snow, mud or grit can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine, and up to £1,000 in court. A quick wipe-down before you set off could save you serious money.
Tyres: Your first line of defence
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but in winter, experts recommend at least 3 mm for better grip on cold, slippery roads. Worn tyres dramatically increase stopping distances and reduce control - especially on ice. Cold air also lowers tyre pressure, so check weekly and top up as needed.
Fog light etiquette matters
Fog lights are for when visibility is under 100 metres - roughly the length of a football pitch. Using them when it’s not foggy can dazzle other drivers and may lead to fines. Equally, failing to use them when visibility is low could also see you pulled over.
Too slow can still be too risky
It sounds odd, but overly cautious driving can also be penalised. If you’re driving unreasonably slowly or obstructing traffic in icy conditions, police could issue fines under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for “driving without due care and attention.”
Your Winter Roadside Checklist
According to the RAC, there are several recommended items you need to stay prepared and safe on the road:
- Ice scraper & de-icer (legal requirement to have windows clear).
- Warm clothes & blanket - if you break down, you’ll thank yourself.
- Torch + spare batteries, hi-vis jacket - dark cold nights mean visibility can be reduced.
- Jump leads, shovel, warning triangle or signs - especially if rural roads or snow drifts are possible.
- Snacks, water, phone charger/power bank - being stuck becomes worse if you are cold, hungry or without a way of contacting others.
All these items are not mandatory by law, but in practical terms they help you meet the ‘reasonable standard’ expected when driving in winter.
Why Breakdown Cover Matters
Winter driving isn't about panic - it’s about preparation. Knowing the law is one thing - being prepared is another. Adjusting your driving gives you control. Even the most prepared driver and vehicle isn’t completely exempt from surprises - battery failures, icy mishaps, unexpected snow-bursts or mechanical faults can still happen. That’s where having the right breakdown cover becomes a smart safety net.
At MotorEasy, our breakdown cover is designed with winter in mind: helping you get moving again if you’re stranded, offering roadside assistance, on-site repairs or towing where necessary - when the cold hits, you’re not left out in it. So, clear the frost, check your tread, and drive with minimal stress of accidents, collisions and fines. Your destination will thank you - and so will your wallet. If you start the season with caution, you won’t just stay within the law, you’ll arrive safe, warm and confident.
