As snow is forecast for parts of Britain and temperatures begin to dip to below freezing, drivers are being urged to make sure they know the rules of the road to avoid an eye-watering £2500 fine while driving in the cold weather.

Cold and icy mornings, as well as dark nights can pose difficulties for many drivers, and the Highway Code has a series of instructions to help drivers drive safely in the colder months. However, there are a few rules drivers may not know about that could lead to some hefty and unwanted fines for habits that may seem harmless.

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing has revealed some of the easiest mistakes drivers can make which break the Highway Code rules and shared how people can avoid them. And one of them could see you be fined a whopping £2,500 for not clearing your windows properly. According to Rule 229, "you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows".

Graham explained: "Disregarding this rule could result in a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence, as you will be considered to have been driving a vehicle in 'dangerous condition' should you be unfortunate to be involved in a serious accident. While it's tempting to set off with just some of your windows clear, the Highway Code maintains that you need full visibility all around through all of your windows."

Another part of your car that should always remain visible is your number plate. This can easily become covered in dirt, mud and snow during the wintery months, but Rule 229 also states that: "You must ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible," and drivers guilty of this could land them a £1,000 fine.

"Roads in winter are often caked in dirt and road salt, which then ends up clinging to your car, obscuring lights and number plates. Try to maintain a regular cleaning regime throughout winter so you don't run the risk," Graham explained.

One thing all drivers will do in treacherous conditions is to drive with care when icy anyway but Graham reminded drivers: "It's imperative for drivers to plan and check their route well before setting off, and prepare for the conditions of the roads ahead. In the case of serious snow and ice conditions, you may want to consider whether your journey is really necessary at all." Rule 230 of the Highway Code states: "Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated with grit and to keep well back from the road user in front, as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads." And adds: "Drivers must drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible, and accelerate and brake very gently."

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states: "Footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner," and can slap drivers with a £100 fine if not dressed appropriately. Drivers should avoid wearing thick woolly gloves that can lead to loss of grip. As well as gloves, long coats and scarves should be avoided too.

Graham added: "In terms of footwear, chunky winter boots could hamper a driver's ability to brake properly, however toasty they keep someone's feet. Failure to maintain proper control of your car could lead to points on your licence, as well as a £100 fine on the spot."

During the colder months, it might be tempting to warm your car up before you get in, but Rule 123 of the Code states: "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." Doing this, could give drivers a £20 fine.

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