Asger Risom
As drivers prepare to clear ice before travelling, car insurance specialists have warned that one common method of defrosting could be illegal if done incorrectly.
Freezing mornings and icy windscreens are becoming more common as severe weather moves in. But a routine many drivers rely on to get going could unexpectedly put them on the wrong side of the law.
Cold weather warning
With Storm Goretti forecast to bring lower temperatures along with snow and ice, the Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings across parts of the UK. Frosted windscreens are expected to be a familiar problem for motorists starting their day.
As drivers prepare to clear ice before travelling, car insurance specialists have warned that one common method of defrosting could be illegal if done incorrectly. Rooster Car Insurance has highlighted a mistake that could result in a financial penalty.
Idling risk
In a TikTok video shared by the insurer, Rooster explained that leaving a car engine running to defrost the windscreen can lead to a fine of up to £80. The issue arises when a vehicle is left idling on a public road.
Rooster said: “In the UK, engine idling is illegal. This is when you leave a vehicle’s engine running while stationary on a public road.
“Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed. Two of the most common reasons for engine idling are parents waiting to pick up their children from school or drivers warming up their vehicles to defrost their windscreen in colder months.”
The insurer added that the restriction applies only to public roads, meaning engines can be left running legally on private land such as driveways or supermarket car parks.
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Health and law
Rooster said engine idling is discouraged because of exhaust fumes released by stationary vehicles, which can affect air quality and public health. Prolonged exposure to these fumes has been linked to lung and respiratory problems.
“This is especially important for cars idling outside of schools,” the company said.
Rule 123 of the Highway Code states: “The driver and the environment. You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
“However it is permissible to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.”
Storm advice
Alongside driving warnings, the Met Office has issued guidance for households affected by the storm. It advised people to prepare for possible power cuts by keeping essential items available.
These include candles and matches or lighters, torches with spare batteries, and a mobile phone power pack.
Sources: Met Office, Rooster Car Insurance
