News
November 15, 2025
RAC warns you can be fined up to £1,000 for defrosting your car’s windscreen this winter
WITH the cold weather setting in, most motorists are guilty of this everyday step. However, now UK drivers are being warned against the common practice as it can result in fines. The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) reminded Brits of a little-known infraction that most drivers are guilty of at one point or another. With the...
**RAC warns you can be fined up to £1,000 for defrosting your car’s windscreen this winter**
As Jack Frost tightens his grip across the UK, the RAC is issuing a timely reminder that a seemingly harmless winter ritual could land drivers with a hefty fine of up to £1,000. That's right, the simple act of defrosting your car's windscreen could be a costly mistake if done incorrectly.
The warning comes as temperatures plummet, leading many motorists to resort to leaving their engines running while they wait for the ice to thaw. While this might seem like the most efficient way to clear a frosted windscreen, it could be considered an idling offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The RAC highlights that leaving your engine running unattended on a public road is against the law. This is because it is illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running, even if it's just for a few minutes to defrost the windscreen. Local authorities have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for this offence, usually starting around £20. However, if the case goes to court, the fine could escalate to a maximum of £1,000.
But the risk doesn't stop there. Leaving your car unattended with the engine running also makes it an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out if your car is stolen in such circumstances, leaving you not only without a vehicle but also facing significant financial losses.
So, what's the alternative? The RAC advises drivers to use a scraper and de-icer spray to clear their windscreens. Alternatively, drivers can use a windscreen cover overnight to prevent ice from forming in the first place. They also suggest ensuring that the car's ventilation system is working correctly to help clear condensation quickly.
The RAC is urging drivers to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions this winter. Taking a few extra minutes to defrost your windscreen properly could save you a considerable amount of money and prevent the headache of dealing with a stolen vehicle. Stay safe and stay within the law this winter!
As Jack Frost tightens his grip across the UK, the RAC is issuing a timely reminder that a seemingly harmless winter ritual could land drivers with a hefty fine of up to £1,000. That's right, the simple act of defrosting your car's windscreen could be a costly mistake if done incorrectly.
The warning comes as temperatures plummet, leading many motorists to resort to leaving their engines running while they wait for the ice to thaw. While this might seem like the most efficient way to clear a frosted windscreen, it could be considered an idling offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The RAC highlights that leaving your engine running unattended on a public road is against the law. This is because it is illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running, even if it's just for a few minutes to defrost the windscreen. Local authorities have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for this offence, usually starting around £20. However, if the case goes to court, the fine could escalate to a maximum of £1,000.
But the risk doesn't stop there. Leaving your car unattended with the engine running also makes it an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out if your car is stolen in such circumstances, leaving you not only without a vehicle but also facing significant financial losses.
So, what's the alternative? The RAC advises drivers to use a scraper and de-icer spray to clear their windscreens. Alternatively, drivers can use a windscreen cover overnight to prevent ice from forming in the first place. They also suggest ensuring that the car's ventilation system is working correctly to help clear condensation quickly.
The RAC is urging drivers to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions this winter. Taking a few extra minutes to defrost your windscreen properly could save you a considerable amount of money and prevent the headache of dealing with a stolen vehicle. Stay safe and stay within the law this winter!
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