The simple mistake that means you're breaking the law when driving in the snow
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With snow and ice blanketing Britain anyone getting behind the wheel knows to be careful – but a simple mistake could mean not only a fine, but no insurance payout if you get into an accident.
While winter tyres – or at least snow chains or tyre socks - are a legal requirement in large parts of Europe, there's nothing in the law in the UK to make you shod your car in them.
But failing to clear the snow from your roof before taking to the roads IS illegal.
That's because when you brake, or even just accelerate or turn, it can slide off – possibly obscuring your vision or creating a potential problem for another driver.
“Not clearing the snow off the roof of your car could invalidate your policy, as it could be a potential hazard if it falls off,” GoCompare.com spokesman Martyn John told Mirror Money.
And it's not just a problem if you get into an accident.
“You could be pulled over by the police and face a fine,” John added.
What rules are you breaking?
There's no specific law that says you can't drive with snow on your car, but you can fall foul of two of them by doing it.
“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',” the RAC warns .
Not the only risk
You need to make sure more than just your roof is clear too.
“If driving in adverse weather conditions you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle,” the RAC adds.
“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.”
And there are a couple of other rules you could fall foul of too. “This also means ensuring your windscreen is de-iced on the outside and thoroughly demisted on the inside.”
“For the same reasons it’s imperative that all your mirrors are clear and demisted.”
As well as your lights and windows, there are a couple of other things to check.
“It is also the law that all lights and number plates are clearly visible too,” the RAC explains.