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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Mya Bollan & Sophie Buchan

Motorists warned of five driving mistakes resulting in £10,000 fine amid Glasgow snowfall

The weather in Glasgow lately has been rather - and unsurprisingly - chilly.

But what has come as a shocker is the snow - and just how much of it has fallen.

We've had reports of snow for a few months - including on Christmas Day - but it didn't come to much.

Today, however, is a different story with snow causing people to abandon their cars in the city as well as areas such as East Kilbride.

So with an extended yellow weather warning put in place by the Met Office for ice until 11:59pm tonight, it's vital to keep your car and yourself safe whilst driving as failing to do so could land you with a pretty hefty fine and points on your licence.

Speaking out safety, Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: “Those that really need to drive should reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles. Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual. Ensure you have plenty of fuel and if your vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) make sure its battery has plenty of charge.

“Before setting off, it’s important to fully de-ice the car which includes clearing snow from the windows, lights and roof so you can see and be seen.

“It’s also worth having winter essentials in the car such as warm, waterproof layers, a shovel, a torch, fully charged mobile phone and a flask of hot drink.”

Here is everything you need to know:

A snowy registration plate can cost you £1000 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 £1000 in fines, reports the Daily Record.

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.

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

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

It is 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.

Careless driving on icy roads could cost £2500

The definition of careless driving doesn’t simply apply to using your phone or drifting between lanes.

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.

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 that 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.

Driving through puddles could end up costing £5000

Splashing a pedestrian could get you in trouble with the law. (Image: Getty)

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 £5000 if the matter is taken to court by the affected pedestrian.

Will Bullen of Car Lease Special Offers says: “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."

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