Brits who fail to implement certain rules whilst driving in wet and cold weather could be slapped with fines of up to £1,000.
And with heavy rain forecasted for the coming days, now's the best time to refresh your knowledge of the Highway Code to avoid those hefty charges.
Data from ATS Euromaster has found that 60% of drivers don’t know what the recommended driving distance is in snow and ice, the Daily Record has reported.
There are five key winter road rules that some Brits may be completely unaware of - and they can lead to fines in the thousands.
Here are the rules to keep an eye on when driving during the winter period:
1. Leave a four second gap during heavy rain
During periods of heavy rainfall, drivers should increase the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them to at least four seconds. This is to allow for longer braking distances.
Research shows that over half (52%) of drivers weren’t aware of this.
2. Keep your aircon on
Cold and rainy weather can often lead to steamy car windows - and if it obstructs a drivers view, it could be considered dangerous.
To avoid being fined for your misty windows, you should make sure you have your air conditioning on.
Failing to do so could leave you with a £1,000 fine and three points on your licence.
3. Clear windows and lights
Drivers are all too familiar with the issue of icy windscreens when temperatures drop below a certain point.
But what they may not know is that it’s a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road before you set off.
If the snow and ice on your windows are not cleared properly, you could face a £60 fine and three points on your licence.
3. Leave 10 times the recommended gap in snow and ice
60% of drivers don’t know the recommended distance they should keep between other vehicles when driving in snow and ice.
On slippery roads, braking distances can be 10 times more compared with dry roads.
National Highways says drivers should slow down, especially round bends, and keep 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the vehicle in front of them.
4. Only use fog lights if your visibility is severely reduced
Rule 236 of the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.”
Research has found that 60% of drivers were unaware of this rule, while one in five drivers wrongly assume you should use your full beam headlights in foggy weather - which can be very dangerous.
