Five winter driving fines you should be aware of this winter as snow expected across the UK

Driving in winter can be hazardous — especially on your wallet if you're not prepared.

With talk of heavy snow expected across the UK this week, Car Lease Special Offers has put together a list of five winter driving fines drivers should be aware of.

Combined, these fines could cost drivers more than £18,000 — with the top fine being £10,000 — as well as points added to your licence.

1. Low tyre pressure could result in a £10,000 fine

In the cold weather, tyres lose their pressure much more quickly.

It’s recommended that in the winter months you should check your tyre pressure once a week, or you could be fined £2,500 and handed three penalty points for each tyre that fails to meet tyre pressure regulations and legal tread depth rules.

If all four tyres fail, you could be looking at a £10,000 fine and 12 points on your licence.

2. A snowy registration plate can cost you £1,000 in fines

It’s a well-known fact that leaving snow and ice on your windscreen or roof can result in a fine, but if you aren’t careful to also clear your registration plate — you could be facing up to £1,000 in fines.

A concealed registration plate, whether covered in snow or dirt and grit from the road, is considered obstructing the police as they use your registration plate to check if your car is properly taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT.

3. Careless driving on icy roads could cost £2,500

Careless driving can include simple mistakes caused by icy conditions — following another car too closely, driving too quickly (even within the speed limit) and taking a corner too fast can all become hazardous examples of careless driving when icy roads affect braking times and handling.

4. Wearing snow boots? Risk a £100 fine and points on your licence

Wearing warm boots with good tread can seem like a no-brainer if you’re heading out into the snow and ice, but if you’re planning on driving you may want to bring a change of footwear.

Highway Code 97 states you should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.

Violating this code can result in a £100 fine and three points on your driving licence, though it’s more likely that you’ll be given a warning or offered an educational driving seminar instead.

5. Driving through puddles could end up costing £5,000

Be wary when driving through slush and puddles this winter.

If you drive through a large puddle and end up splashing a pedestrian you could run the risk of paying a £100 fine or end up with a huge fine of £5,000 if the matter is taken to court by the affected pedestrian.

Will Bullen, of Car Lease Special Offers, said: “It’s important for drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in winter, to avoid accidents as well as fines.

"By highlighting these potential fines drivers may not be aware of, hopefully motorists can avoid paying out a substantial amount, as well as gaining points on their licence.

"You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly, but we recommend checking more frequently in colder weather as tyres lose pressure more quickly. This will hopefully save drivers a £10,000 fine and 12 points on their licence.”