7 Winter Driving Laws You’re Probably Breaking Without Realising – And the Costly Fines Waiting to Catch You Out
Winter brings freezing mornings, darker commutes and roads coated in grime, salt and ice — and with that comes a noticeable spike in motoring offences. Most drivers aren’t being reckless; they simply don’t realise that everyday winter habits can cross the line into illegal territory.
Before the really harsh weather sets in, it’s also a great time to book your car servicing, making sure your brakes, fluids and lights are all in top condition for the months ahead. With MotorEasy you can save up to 40% on manufacturer services.
Here are the 7 winter laws most likely to catch you out this season, along with the practical tips that help you avoid fines, points… and those chaotic “why is everything frozen?” mornings.
1. Winter Visibility Laws – Frosted, Misty or Snow-Covered Windows
Maximum Fine: Up to £1,000
Driving with restricted visibility is one of the most common winter offences and all it takes a little bit of a rush to break the rules. A small window in the frost isn’t enough, and neither is clearing only the front screen. The law requires you to have full visibility, meaning:
- Windscreen completely defrosted
- All side windows clear
- Mirrors unobstructed
- Rear window clear (Unless you’re carrying goods)
- Number plates readable
Frozen screenwash is another winter annoyance. If your jets freeze and you can’t clear salt or spray off the screen, you legally don’t have a proper view of the road.
Winter Tip: Use winter-strength screenwash, start the car 5 minutes earlier, and check your fans are working well before the temperature drops!
2. Tyre Laws – Tread Depth, Pressure & Cold-Weather Safety
Maximum Fine: Up to £10,000 (£2,500 per tyre) and 3-points on your license.
Your cars tyres suffer most in winter. Cold weather naturally reduces tyre pressure, which affects grip – especially on wet or icy roads. Many drivers only realise their tread has dropped below the legal 1.6mm minimum once they’ve been pulled over.
Think of Winter as a “truth serum” for tyres – anything weak, worn or underinflated will show itself quickly.
Winter Tip: Check your tyres regularly. Cold air reduces pressure by 1–2 psi every few degrees, so keeping them topped up is essential. Look for cuts or bulges and consider all-season or winter tyres.
Not sure your tyres are winter-ready?
3. Faulty Lights & Incorrect Fog Light Use
Maximum Fine: Up to £4,000 (£1,000 per faulty light)
Winter means more darkness, more rain, more spray and more chances to be caught out by a blown bulb. One headlight out is still illegal, even if the other one is working. Brake lights often fail without the driver realising, and police checks increase significantly in winter months.
Fog lights cause issues too. They should only be used when visibility drops below 100 metres not just because it “looks gloomy” outside. When misused, they can dazzle other drivers and lead to a fine.
Winter tip: Check your lights once a week by parking near a wall or reflective surface. If any bulb flickers, looks dim or fails completely, replace it immediately. It’s cheaper than a fine and far safer.
4. Morning-After Driving – Being Over the Limit Without Realising
Penalties: Up to £2,500, a driving ban, or prison
December and January have the highest rates of morning-after drink-driving arrests. Alcohol stays in your system far longer than people expect, you can easily wake up feeling normal but still be legally over the limit.
A late night, strong drinks, and little sleep make it even worse. Coffee, showers or food don’t speed up alcohol removal.
Winter tip: If you had a lot of alcohol the night before, assume you’re NOT safe to drive. Leave the car overnight or delay your journey.
5. Idling to Defrost – Illegal When You Leave the Car Running
Maximum Fine: Up to £80
Letting the car idle on a cold morning while you pop inside to finish getting ready is incredibly common - but it’s illegal on public roads. Anti-idling laws prohibit leaving a vehicle running unnecessarily and winter is when local councils issue the most fines.
There’s also a major theft risk. Cars left idling outside homes are easy targets, and insurers may refuse to pay out if the vehicle was stolen while running unattended.
Winter tip: Always stay with the vehicle. Use proper de-icer, scrape the window and don’t rely solely on the heater to defrost the windscreen.
6. Worn or Ineffective Wipers – The Hidden Winter Offence
Maximum Fine: Up to £1,000
If your wipers smear, streak or skip across the glass, they’re no longer fit for purpose - and driving with poor visibility is an offence. Winter is brutal on wipers: frost damages rubber, cold temperatures make blades brittle and salted road spray wears them out quickly.
Lots of drivers switch on the wipers while the screen is still frozen, which tears the rubber and makes them ineffective for the rest of the season.
Winter tip: Replace wipers at the first sign of streaking. Use winter-grade washer fluid to stop the jets freezing on icy mornings.
7. Dirty Number Plates – The Easiest Winter Fine to Avoid
Maximum Fine: Up to £1,000
Few winter problems appear as quickly as a dirty number plate. Slush, mud and grit from wet roads can completely coat your plate after a single journey. If the police or ANPR cameras can’t read it clearly, you can be fined.
Drivers often don’t notice because the rest of the car still looks clean — but number plates catch the worst of winter spray.
Winter tip: Wipe your number plates every few days, especially after motorway trips. It takes seconds and can save you £1,000.
Conclusion: A Little Winter Prep Goes a Long Way
Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. Most of the fines and issues drivers face in the colder months come down to simple checks: clear visibility, healthy tyres, working lights and a car that’s prepared for freezing temperatures.
A small amount of maintenance now can save you money, prevent breakdowns and keep you well within the law throughout the season. If you want real peace of mind this winter, a car servicing appointment is one of the best investments you can make. It ensures your wipers, heaters, electrics, fluids and tyres are ready for whatever the weather throws at you.
Stay safe and winter-ready - book your car servicing with MotorEasy today!
