When you leave home in the morning to go to work, you notice that it has frozen outside and your windshield is frosted. If you’re in a hurry, you might think you’ll scrape off a small part and the rest will melt as you roll. This is a mistake that can cost you dearly. Whether you’re already late or just a little late, take a few extra minutes to properly defrost your windshield. This is important for your safety, as you may not see certain obstacles on the road or even have poor vision on certain perpendicular streets. Beyond a question of safety, driving with a windshield that is not defrosted can cause you to lose points but also money.
Why do I risk a fine if I drive with a frozen windshield?
If you find yourself facing the police and you are driving with a poorly defrosted windshield, then you could be fined. They can refer to article R316-6 of the Highway Code. “The windshield windows and the front side windows on the driver’s and passenger’s side must also have sufficient transparency, both from the inside and outside of the vehicle, and not cause any notable deformation of the objects seen through transparency or any notable change in their colors“, it is indicated on legifrance.gouv.fr. Concretely, whether it is because of frost or dirt or even a sticker, the driver must be able to see perfectly through his windshield. Logically, when half is frosted, you can’t see well. This concerns the windshield, but also all the windows.
What do I risk by driving with a frozen windshield?
If you still decide to drive while your windshield and windows are not yet defrosted, then you risk a fine and a loss of points. For the fine, the driver risks a fourth class fine. The fixed fine for this type of violation is 135 euros. It can be reduced to €90 or increased. The person who drove may also lose 3 points on their driving license and have their vehicle temporarily immobilized. So it’s better to take a few extra minutes in the morning, plus it will allow you to get into a car where it’s hot.
How to properly defrost your windshield?
One of the most effective solutions to prevent frost on your windshield is to put a calendar, a tarpaulin or even a blanket on it the day before. If you haven’t done so, then you have the traditional scraper. It can be a little long and you need to wear gloves, but it’s quite effective and poses little risk to your vehicle. Carglass also recommends two natural tips: one consists of mixing cold water and white vinegar and spraying it on the windows, avoiding the joints. The other technique is to mix water and coarse salt and apply it with a cloth to the windows and windshield, but not to the seals or paint.