Drivers run the risk of £80 fine for common de-icing hack this January – don’t be caught out
DRIVERS have been warned that they risk an £80 fine by trying out a popular de-icing hack this January.
With the weather turning icy and temperatures plummeting this week, motorists will likely be waking up to frozen windows but one potential solution could be costly both to you and the environment.
One of the most common ways to deal with an iced-up windshield is to turn on the heater inside your car to heat up the glass and clear the frost.
Indeed, most modern cars have a dedicated button to direct the heat towards the windshield through the dashboard for precisely this purpose.
However, this relies on the air conditioning system, which itself runs off the engine, meaning you have to fire the car up to get it working.
It might be tempting to do this ten minutes before you leave for work or the school run then return to the warmth of the house while the heater does its work.
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But this could actually see you slapped with a fine due to a little-known road law.
Rule 123 of the Highway Code reads: "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. "
This means it is actually an offence to leave your motor idling while unattended.
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Refusing to switch your engine off could land you a £20 penalty, rising to £40 if not paid withing 28 days.
This can then be doubled again to £80 if you fail to pay within a further 14 days.
The law exists in order to reduce harmful emissions and protect the environment in line with the UK's net zero targets.
There is a small loophole, though, meaning that you are allowed to leave your engine idling if you are trying to diagnose a fault.
But avoiding the practice altogether is generally advisable, and could even save you money by improving fuel economy.
Motoring expert Ryan Kluftinger explained last year why it's actually cheaper to turn your car off if stopping for more than 10 seconds.
When it comes to de-icing, the AA recommends clearing the entire windscreen and all the windows with a scraper and de-icer spray and to always put "safety before punctuality", while allowing extra time for journeys.