UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for winter clothing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 10:01 · Archive

UK drivers face fines up to £1,000 for wearing winter clothes that restrict vehicle control.

Drivers in the UK have been warned that wearing bulky winter clothes such as coats, gloves and scarves behind the wheel could result in fines of up to £1,000.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires drivers to wear 'footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'. Wearing items that restrict movement or grip means motorists could commit an offence and face legal consequences.

Motoring experts have identified specific risks. Gloves can reduce grip on the steering wheel or gear stick. Scarves, hats and puffy coats can obstruct a driver's line of sight and restrict head movement when checking mirrors or blind spots. The Road Traffic Act warns that anything obstructing a driver's vision could be considered a hazard.

Motoring specialists have found many drivers are unaware of these rules. Clare Freemantle, Sales and Marketing Director at Harwoods Group, warned that drivers are 'unintentionally opening themselves up to breaking the law' as temperatures drop and they wrap up warm for winter journeys.

How it is being reported

• UK drivers warned they face £1,000 fines for wearing winter clothesDrivers in the UK have been warned that wearing winter clothes such as coats, gloves, and scarves behind the wheel could result in fines of up to £1,000.Bracknell News · 26 Oct, 09:29
• UK drivers warned they face £1,000 fines for wearing winter clothesDrivers in the UK have been warned that wearing winter clothes such as coats, gloves, and scarves behind the wheel could result in fines of up to £1,000.Reading Chronicle · 26 Oct, 09:29

In this story: UK · Highway Code · Road Traffic Act · Harwoods Group · Clare Freemantle

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