Drivers risk being punished after making ‘porthole’ mistake when de-icing their cars

Duxback demonstrate how to use de-icer product

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Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman has warned 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.”

Failing to clear your 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.

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Just 63 percent said they used a traditional de-icer, while 14 percent said they used a snapped credit card.

This might offer some temporary relief but is unlikely to be able to clear the entire glass windscreen.

They said: “If you’re hurrying to get to work or do the school run, it can be tempting to drive off as soon as the ice has cleared a little.

“But this could dangerously obstruct your view of the road if there’s still ice or mist on your windshield.

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