Drivers risk £100 fine for wearing coats behind the wheel for one simple reason

Motorists could be slapped with a £100 fine for wearing a winter coat while driving this Autumn and Winter if one mistake is made. Wearing a jacket is absolutely fine, but taking it off while in control of a vehicle could backfire, with road users at risk of hefty fines.

Removing a coat will likely require road users to take their hands off the steering wheel, while some may stop looking at the road altogether. Liam Barnes, a motoring expert at TopReg, previously warned that taking off a jacket is likely to “divert attention”, with road users at risk of financial penalties. Under some circumstances, road users could even be hit with penalty points on their driving licence in a double blow.

Mr Barnes previously said: “Taking off your winter jacket is a common mistake drivers make during colder weather, as their cars take longer to warm up and the weather outside gets cooler.

“However, this seemingly minor action can divert your attention from the road and potentially lead to a £100 fine and penalty points for careless driving if you're caught by the police.

“Make sure you remove your jacket and any extra clothing before you start your car and set off. It might be chilly at first, but could help you avoid a steep fine.”

Rule 144 of the Highway Code states that road users must not “drive without due care and attention”. The Code says that driving “requires focus and attention at all times” with motorists reminded they could be driving dangerously or travelling too fast even if they don’t mean to.

Despite the warning, experts have suggested that packing a winter coat before getting behind the wheel was still crucial.

The Brindley Group, one of the largest family-owned car dealer groups in the West Midlands, said a winter jacket was among the kit road users needed to remember before heading off.

They said: “As well as the car’s equipment, drivers should ensure that they have items such as a torch, ice scraper, de-icer and jump leads to avoid unnecessary time out in the cold. A warm winter coat in the boot is also recommended, just in case you break down and are waiting for recovery.”