(Image: Iryna Melny/Getty)
Drivers wrapping up against the cold face fines of up to £1,000.
Wearing bulky winter clothes while behind the wheel can hamper vehicle control and land motorists in trouble with the law.
Getting into a car on freezing mornings often prompts drivers to bundle up in thick coats, gloves and scarves, but doing so carries serious legal and financial risks.
Highway Code rules on clothing
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”
Wearing items that restrict movement or grip means motorists could unintentionally commit an offence.
Motoring specialists previously issued warnings after finding many drivers were unaware of the rules.
Loss of control and blind spots
Motoring experts have warned that gloves could hamper motorists due to a loss of grip on the steering wheel or gear stick.
Scarves, hats and puffy coats can also obstruct a driver's line of sight and restrict head movement when checking mirrors or blind spots.
The Road Traffic Act warns that anything that obstructs the vision of a driver could be considered a hazard.
Expert advice on winter layers
Clare Freemantle, Sales and Marketing Director at Harwoods Group, explained how motorists can be caught out simply by wrapping up warm.
She said: “As the temperatures get cooler, drivers are unintentionally opening themselves up to breaking the law. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
“This means as drivers wrap up in gloves, coats, hats and scarves for the winter months, they could be putting themselves at risk of receiving a fine.
“Gloves, while keeping your hands toasty, can loosen your grip on the steering wheel. With temperatures set to plummet even further, driving with gloves in the snow can put you in unnecessary danger.
“Scarves can also impact your vision, as can large puffer jackets and thick woolly hats. Ear warmers can also stop you from being able to hear other cars and sirens from emergency vehicles.
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“Wearing this kind of clothing can lead to a £5,000 fine and potentially three points on your licence, so make sure to heat your car before driving and wear lighter clothing.”
Penalties and points on your licence
If someone is caught with an object that obstructs vision, they could be hit with a £100 fine which could rise to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence if the incident is taken to court.
More severe cases involving a loss of vehicle control can lead to maximum penalties reaching £5,000.
Motorists are advised to warm their vehicles up before setting off and remove restrictive outer layers before driving.