Not clearing snow from car roof before driving

[dotty.]

My son's mate supposedly was given am on the spot fine the other day because his car still had several inches of snow on the roof whilst he was driving. I hadn't heard of this before, what road rule would it come under?

[society]

Snow on vehicles rooftops could be a hazard to the driver, other motorists and pedestrians.

[MarkRae]

http://www.google.co....w+roof+dangerous+fine

[dotty.]

I sonder whether car owners who have left their cars totally covered in snow for the last week been guilty of not clearly displaying a valid tax disc? Some cars here haven't been cleared of snow yet and it's a week since the last bad snowfall

[Prudie]

We were told at my workplace a couple of weeks ago that the security guards were not to let anyone drive in if they hadn't scraped the ice off their car windows to a satisfactory standard!

[AlBags]

It gets worse, doesn't it!

Be getting done next for driving a wet or dirty car.

[hc4361]

You can get done for driving a dirty car, if the dirt obscures the registration plate.

[MarkRae]

Or, even worse (and perfectly obvious!), if the dirt hinders visibility through the windscreen...

[Prudie]

I must say I had heard about getting done for not removing the snow this year but never before, I'm wondering if it's a newish rule.

[Hopkirk]

I wouldn't dream of driving off with inches of snow on the roof. Isn't it obvious there is a severe danger of sudden loss of vision through the windows?

[cazzz1975]

snow covering the bonnet can gradually cover the driving lights which can be dangerous in poor visibility, I have seen several cars out and about where they do not look like they have lights on because they are covered in snow, it makes spotting them difficult in bad weather.

[alexanderd]

Try driving behind someone with a few inches of snow on the roof you will soon know why it is not safe

[cazzz1975]

lol alex, very true

[New Judge]

The offence is probably brought under Road Traffic Act 1988, s.40A (Condition of vehicle/accessories/equipment involving danger of injury).

The situation you describe would almost certainly fit the bill. We have not heard of it much because before this year it is a while since we had substantial snowfalls.

He needs to be careful if he has received a fine under this legislation. A second offence for the same thing within three years attracts a mandatory six month disqualification. In this respect I think it is unique.

[boxtops]

This was discussed on here a couple of weeks ago - apparently £60 fine and 3 penalty points for driving with snow on the roof - it could come off and either obscure your own vision, or that of the vehicle behind you.

[jno]

who decides how much is too much?

[society]

I guess the person who's writing the ticket decides how much is too much.

[boxtops]

Look at MR's link - it says ANY snow

rule 229 of the Highway Code.

The rule states that drivers should "remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users".

[jno]

I would have thought it was pretty hard to prove either way in a court (perhaps New Judge could advise); there's half an inch of snow on my car that hasn't melted yet, which isn't going to cause anyone any risk as I pootle round town at 20mph, but who's to say what officious cop mightn't take it into his head to fulfil his quota of fines by stopping me?

[Buenchico]

A relevant thread:
http://www.theanswerb...s/Question963989.html

Chris