Drivers have been warned not to don their winter clothing

£5,000 warning to anyone driving in gloves and scarf even if it's cold outside

by · Birmingham Live

With the cold weather approaching, many of us will be donning warmer clothing when we head out our front doors. That includes getting in the car.

When you first turn your engine on, the inside of your car can be just as cold as the outside and it can feel rather uncomfortable if you're not aptly dressed. But rather than dressing up to drive in winter clothing, motoring experts have warned against this as it could land you with a fine.

Donning such warm clothing could result in you facing fines of up to £5,000 fines. Motoring experts have pointed out how the issue comes under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, which states drivers must be able to use the controls properly and not be restricted by clothing.

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Liam Barnes, Manager at TopReg, said: "Leaving your winter jacket on while driving is a common mistake during colder months, as chilly mornings and slow-to-warm cars make it tempting to stay bundled up. However, this small action can distract you from the road, potentially resulting in a £100 fine and points on your licence for careless driving if stopped by police.

"Removing bulky coats, gloves, and scarves before setting off is crucial. While it may feel cold initially, these items can obstruct movement, reduce grip, or impair visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

"Rule 97 of the Highway Code clearly states that clothing and footwear must not prevent you from using the controls properly. Ignoring this rule can result in fines of up to £5,000, three penalty points, or worse — an accident. Additionally, the Road Traffic Act warns that anything obstructing a driver’s vision can be deemed hazardous, leading to penalties ranging from a £100 fine to £1,000 and three points on your licence if taken to court.

"Prioritising safe and unrestricted driving attire is key to staying safe and avoiding costly penalties."