As Storm Goretti approaches the UK, Britons are being urged to brace themselves for plummeting temperatures and the likelihood of further snow and ice. One familiar frustration for many motorists during cold snaps is waking up to frost-covered vehicles, particularly windscreens that need clearing, reports the Express.

The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings across parts of the country for snow and ice. But if you're planning to venture out in your motor, a car insurance firm has issued an important reminder about a common practice that could land you in hot water with the law and result in a penalty.

Rooster Car Insurance has cautioned drivers about the potential illegality of defrosting their vehicles in a certain way. In a TikTok clip, the insurer highlighted that leaving your engine running to clear a frosted windscreen could see you slapped with a fine of up to £80.

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While this might sound surprising, the practice becomes unlawful when your vehicle is left idling on a public road.

Rooster explained: "In the UK, engine idling is illegal. This is when you leave a vehicle's engine running while stationary on a public road."

They added: "Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed. Two of the most common reasons for engine idling are parents waiting to pick up their children from school or drivers warming up their vehicles to defrost their windscreen in colder months.

"This law only applies to public roads, meaning you can legally leave your car engine on if parked on a private driveway or a supermarket car park, for instance."

The insurance specialists highlighted that engine idling is frowned upon because of the harmful emissions released by stationary vehicles, which can present serious health hazards. Exhaust fumes from idling cars have been linked to lung and respiratory issues.

Rooster added: "This is especially important for cars idling outside of schools."

The Highway Code's Rule 123 reads: "The driver and the environment. 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. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution."

It continues: "However it is permissible to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults."

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued guidance for those bracing for the storm's impact. For households potentially facing power outages, the weather service has recommended stocking up on essential supplies.

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