With winter well on the way, the UK’s motorists are being urged to take care of their vehicles to ensure they are safe while driving on the country’s roads. Drivers who take to the roads with obstructed windscreens could face fines of up to £1,000.

It is not the only warning being offered to motorists this winter either, as the darker evenings and mornings mean that it is essential that drivers ensure their headlights are on when driving in the dark, or risk a fine of up to £5,000 and 9 points on their license, reports the Mirror.

Section 6 of the Highway Code states that windscreens must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision, while Regulation 30 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 requires all glass fitted to be ‘maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road’.

To avoid receiving stiff penalties, there are some basic checks you must undertake to ensure your car is safe to drive. If you park under a tree, then remove any leafy debris and twigs so your vision is not obstructed.

Always ensure you have enough windscreen wash, and that your windscreen is clean because if a dirty windscreen was found to be the reason for an accident, you would be found at fault and your insurer may refuse to pay out.

Snow can cause difficulties during winter, and not only for driving in icy conditions. Prevent your car from being covered in snow by covering it with a tarpaulin, or if that isn’t viable, then make sure you always scrape all the ice and snow off your windscreen and windows and brush the snow from the roof before any journey.

However, avoid using hot water straight from the kettle to shift stubborn frost and ice, as the temperature differential can cause the cold glass to crack or shatter.

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