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With the autumn equinox last week marking the official change of seasons, Welsh roads are quickly becoming a more dangerous place. With the onset of wet weather, fallen leaves and foggy conditions, drivers must adapt to new hazards. In the light of this, eight driving regulations to be aware of to avoid unwanted penalty points and fines this autumn have been highlighted by car rental specialists Lotus Car Rental. Here are eight driving offences that could cost you thousands of pounds this autumn. Below them are some tips for drivers to stay safe. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Driving with muddy licence plates Highway Code Rule 229: You must ensure that number plates are clearly visible and legible Using a vehicle in dangerous conditions: Fine up to £2,500 Using a vehicle in dangerous conditions: 3 penalty points Driving on a slippery surface, e.g wet leaves on the roads Highway Code Rule 227: Ensuring the stopping distance is double the normal distance when on a slippery and dangerous surface Failure to have proper control of the vehicle: Fine up to £1,000 Failure to have proper control of the vehicle: 3 penalty points Incorrectly using fog lights Highway Code Rule 236: Do not use rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced Careless and inconsiderate driving: Unlimited fine Careless and inconsiderate driving: 3-9 penalty points Driving in Autumn coats, boots or thick jackets Highway Code Rule 97: Your clothing and footwear cannot prevent you from controlling the vehicle Failure to have proper control of the vehicle: £1,000 Failure to have proper control of the vehicle: 3 penalty points Not clearing the leaves from your window Highway Code Rule 229: You must be able to see the road ahead Failure to have a proper full view of the road and traffic ahead: Fine up to £1,000 Failure to have a proper full view of the road and traffic ahead: 3 penalty points Parking on double yellows, masked by leaves Highway Code 238: Always double-check it is legal and safe to park Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): Fines range from £50 to £130, depending on the local council Driving with frosted/foggy windows Highway Code Rule 229: make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly Failure to have a proper full view of the road and traffic ahead: Fine up to £1,000 Failure to have a proper full view of the road and traffic ahead: 3 penalty points Splashing pedestrians Section 3, Road Traffic Act 1988 Driving without reasonable consideration for other persons Driving without reasonable consideration: £100 Driving without reasonable consideration: 3 penalty points But help to avoid any difficulties is available. Alexander Haraldsson, CEO of Lotus Car Rental, shares his top tips for safe driving this autumn, as well as issuing a word of caution to UK drivers. “With the change of seasons, we want to remind UK drivers that autumn road conditions, from wet leaves to large puddles, present unique and serious hazards. “Many drivers don't realise that wet leaves can be just as slippery as black ice, meaning you need to double the ‘normal’ stopping distance. Similarly, approaching large puddles with care is crucial to prevent aquaplaning and potential loss of control. “These are often facts we learn whilst learning to drive, but over the years, bad habits can form and rules are easily forgotten. “A quick refresh of the Highway Code and a more cautious approach can help drivers avoid accidents and fines this autumn.” Leave extra time, just as you would in winter Just as you would allocate extra time to de-ice your car in winter, you should also leave extra time to de-steam your windows to avoid obstructions to vision whilst driving. The Highway Code Rule 229 states that ‘windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision’. Similarly, in wetter weather you should allow for more time on your journey, as wet leaves can potentially be as dangerous as black ice. As a result, the stopping distances should be at least double that required for dry roads, following the Highway Code Rule 227. Drive around big puddles When approaching a large puddle, it's always safest to slow down, check your mirrors, and if it's safe to do so, drive around it. Driving through deep puddles at speed can lead to several problems. Firstly, it can cause your vehicle to aquaplane, where your tyres lose grip on the road surface, leading to a loss of control. Secondly, it can flood your brakes, which is not only expensive to fix but also a serious safety hazard. Finally, intentionally splashing pedestrians is an offence under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which can be classed as "careless and inconsiderate driving" and may result in a fine and three penalty points. Ensure clothing doesn’t impact safety Controlling your car's pedals is crucial for safe driving. You should be able to easily feel the pedals through your shoes at all times; therefore, you should avoid wearing any footwear that reduces this sensitivity, including Ugg boots, wellies and biker boots. Additionally, bulky outerwear, such as puffer coats and thick gloves, can also pose a risk. Highway Code Rule 97 warns that your ‘clothing and footwear cannot prevent you from controlling the vehicle’ and poses a risk of £1,000 for failure to control a vehicle. Regular Car Washes In wetter weather, cars tend to get dirtier more quickly. It's important to keep your car clean, not just for aesthetics, but for safety and legality. A clean car ensures your number plate is visible and legally compliant, as an obscured number plate can lead to a fine of up to £2,500. Always use your fog lights correctly Fog is common during autumn, so it’s essential to be familiar with the location of your fog lights and know how to operate them. Highway Code Rule 236 states that you ‘must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100 metres)’ and warns they should be turned off as soon as visibility improves, as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights.
