Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car?

11th Oct 2024

During the winter months, it is not uncommon to wake up and discover that your car has been covered in a blanket of snow and ice. However, while a winter driving scene may be pleasing to the eye, it's important to be aware of what the rules are when using a vehicle after a heavy snowfall.

Failure to clear your car of snow and ice before setting off could land you with a big fine, so it's important to check you have a clear view of the road being driving your car in the winter.

Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car?

There is no road law that says it is illegal to drive with snow on your car. However, the Highway Code stipulates that if driving in adverse weather conditions you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle.

This is supported by the section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning it is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.

Failure to do so could incur a fine, but more importantly could place your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of those around you in danger.

This also means ensuring your windscreen is de-iced on the outside and thoroughly demisted on the inside.

Is it illegal to drive with snow on the roof of your car?

As for the snow on the roof, while, again, there is no law stating it is illegal to drive with snow on your roof, if it falls off onto your windscreen while driving or flies into the path of another car then you could be penalised for such offences as 'driving without due consideration' or 'using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition' - again, not worth the risk.

Even if you’re only making a two-minute journey, by not thoroughly cleaning your car of snow, ice or condensation – including all windows, lights and even anything that could fall off into the path of another motorists – you’re breaking the law and leaving yourself liable to a run in with the police.

That means fully wiping snow or frost from every window.

Use a proper scraper and de-icer. It might cost a few pounds, but it works and will save you time.

Is it illegal to drive with snow on my car's lights and numberplate?

It is the law that all lights and number plates are clearly visible too.

In the murky grey light that often comes with driving in wintery conditions it’s advisable to drive with your sidelights or dipped headlights on so as other drivers can see you. Without this they might miss you as they pull out of a side road, leading to the same consequences as above. This will be important especially if you breakdown, running risk of a collision or accident in the road.'

During the winter you will be using your lights more as you will be driving in darker conditions more often. It is important to check your are all working and replace any that aren't.

Is it illegal to drive with snow on my car's mirrors?

It’s imperative that all your mirrors are clear and demisted along with your vehicle’s glass area – don’t be tempted to drive off before your vision is 100% clear.

If you don’t adhere these rules you could leave yourself open to a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence, at worst under the offences of careless or inconsiderate driving.

What else might you not have considered?

Demisting

As well as clearing the snow before you set off, you must, by law also demist all windows so you can properly see out of them - to find out how to do it in the best way visit our how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time guide.

Insurance

As well as the legal implications of not being able to see out of your window clearly, if you are involved in an accident it could mean you are at fault and if your car insurance company finds you were at fault through neglecting to properly prepare your vehicle, they could potentially withhold a pay-out. The same goes for temporary car insurance and learner driver insurance.