Motorists could be penalised for simply wearing winter gloves behind the wheel due to a simple Highway Code rule. Clare Freemantle, Sales and Marketing Director at Harwoods Group, explained that gloves could put road users in "unnecessary danger" this December.

Although staying comfortable and warm is crucial, experts have warned that thick padding can loosen road users grip on the steering wheel. The Highway Code clearly states that motorists should never let clothing stop individuals from using the controls safely. It means those wearing the winter staple could be massively affected and hit with penalties out of the blue.

Clare explained: "As the temperatures get cooler, drivers are unintentionally opening themselves up to breaking the law. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have "footwear and clothing whichdoes not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner".

"This means as drivers wrap up in gloves, coats, hats and scarves for the winter months, they could be putting themselves at risk of receiving a fine. Gloves, while keeping your hands toasty, can loosen your grip on the steering wheel. With temperatures set to plummet even further, driving with gloves in the snow can put you in unnecessary danger."

The Highway Code states that motorists deemed not to have proper control of a vehicle could be slapped with fines of up to £1,000. This could rise to £2,500 for those travelling in a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV), such as buses or coaches, or those in goods vehicles.

Under some circumstances, road users may also be hit with a discretionary disqualification from the road or three penalty points on their licence. The RAC has previously encouraged motorists to always carry bulky winter clothing in the car as a precaution in case of an emergency.

They said vehicle breakdowns at this time of the year were common, with road users likely to sit around and wait for ages with no heat, It was therefore sensible to have warm clothes such as a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves.

However, Lucy Sherliker, head of Customer at Zuto Car Finance, has also suggested motorists need to take some precautions to avoid being caught out.

Lucy said: "We'll all be stepping out in our winter coats, scarves and beanies in the next few months, however it's important that we remove these pieces of clothing when driving.

"Wearing bulky clothing or gloves that obstruct your vision or prevent you from properly operating the vehicle can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points."