UK drivers warned making simple storage mistake for ice scrapers can lead to £2,500 fine

Drivers are being urged to avoid placing items such as ice scrapers, hats and gloves on dashboards and out of footwells in a bid to steer clear a £2,500 fine.

According to the Highway Code, a motorist’s vision must be free from obstruction.

This includes smears or marks on the inside of the windscreen, rubbish which could become wedged under pedals, or any clutter on dashboard which restricts the visibility of the road.

Motorists are being urged to keep their dashboard clear of clutter
Pixabay

The warning comes following freezing temperatures over recent weeks with some parts of the UK seeing temperatures plunge to -10C.

Motorists can also be slapped with three penalty points or even lose their licence for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition or where vision is obstructed.

Insurance firms such as Comparethemarket, are reminding drivers of the rule ahead of further sub-zero temperatures forecasts.

Nearly half of Brits were unaware of the rule before the recent warning, the Liverpool Echo reported.

Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Comparethemarket said: "It’s important to regularly clean the inside of your vehicle and remove any potential dangers or distractions that could impact the ability to drive safely.

"Under the Highway Code, failing to do this would be considered dangerous driving, and could land drivers with an unlimited fine or three to eleven penalty points on their license.

Drivers are warned to keep their car clean of hazards during cold weather spells
James Manning

"The fact that 47 per cent of Brits are unaware they could be fined or given penalty points for a dirty interior windscreen is concerning.

"And the importance of removing hazards and distractions from the inside of a vehicle should be taken seriously, to ensure the safety of themselves, and other road users."