Drivers risk fines for making common ‘porthole’ de-icing mistake

Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman has warned that drivers may be punished for relying on ‘porthole vision’. He said motorists who failed to ‘leave a gap big enough’ could break driving laws for leaving a vehicle in a ‘dangerous condition’.Mr Freeman said: ‘It’s annoying to wait until the windscreen clears when you’re in a hurry, it’s freezing cold and the glass is frosted over.’But it [is] an offence to drive without properly defrosting or demisting your vehicle and the police can fine you for relying on ‘porthole vision’ – where drivers leave a gap big enough to see out of but not the whole windscreen.’Using a vehicle with parts or accessories in a ‘dangerous condition’ could result in a fine of £60 and three penalty points.’Though the offences and consequences could be greater if you cause an accident.’READ MORE: Drivers warned of de-icer solutions that could cause vehicle damage Drivers risk fines for making common ‘porthole’ de-icing mistake. (Image: Getty)Failing to clear the car windscreen is likely to limit drivers’ road vision and increase the risk of having an accident.The AA has warned it could ‘dangerously obstruct’ drivers’ view of the road in a safety risk.They added driving with obscured vision could come with a £100 penalty and three points on a licence.Data from the AA found only 83 percent of drivers use a proper ice-scarper when clearing their windscreens.Just 63 percent said they used a traditional de-icer, while 14 percent said they used a snapped credit card.DON’T MISS Drivers risk over £21,000 in ‘hidden’ fines for breaking autumn laws [FINE] Sainsbury’s implements new 50p charge in petrol stations [INSIGHT] Cyclists urged to let cars overtake and stop riding two-abreast [REVEAL]  Drivers may be punished for relying on ‘porthole vision’. (Image: Getty) Top 10 most dangerous places to drive in the UK. (Image: EXPRESS)’There’s nothing worse than having to rush a de-icing job as you risk damaging your vehicle.”Experts at Confused.com echoed the AA’s comments urging drivers to avoid stressful mornings.Alec Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: ‘Now that it’s getting colder again, remembering to leave enough time to de-ice your car before setting off is a must.”Not only do we need to take extra care on slippery roads to stay safe, drivers need to be aware that driving with limited vision, caused by ice or condensation on your windscreen, could land you with a £60 fine and three points on your licence.’