Motorists could face £2,500 fines over de-icing due to Highway Code rule

Motorists have been warned about a lesser-known de-icing rule that could result in a fine of up to £2,500. As temperatures plummeted to -7.8C (18F) at Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands early on Tuesday (November 19), drivers were warned against "portholing".

This term refers to the practice of only clearing a small "patch" of ice or snow from your windscreen, which is not sufficient, according to experts at Windscreen Wipers. They stated: "A tempting but dangerous habit is portholing. This is when drivers only clear a patch of the windscreen, a 'porthole', to look through when they are driving. This is dangerous and can land you with a hefty fine of £60 rising to £2,500 if your driving is deemed to be dangerous. Make sure that you always clear your entire windscreen before setting off."

Gem Motoring Assist also weighed in, adding: "The practice of driving by looking through a small area of cleared ice is known as "portholing," because it is reminiscent of peering out of a ship's porthole. This is dangerous because it obscures your view of the road."

Stable Vehicle Contracts further clarified: "Rule 229 on the Highway could does indeed clearly clarify that drivers should ensure they clear all snow and ice from the windscreen and windows so they do not impair vision in any way."

"Otherwise, this would mean you wouldn't have a full and clear view of the road, and you're putting yourself, other motorists and pedestrians in danger. This doesn't just cover ice! If your windscreen is blatantly still too steamed up for you to see out of, this falls under the same category.", reports Birmingham Live.

"As does too much snow on your roof, as it can fall onto the road and cause problems for other road users."