£5,000 fine for driving with gloves, coat and scarves warning drivers

Wearing gloves, coats and scarves can affect your ability to drive and therefore put you at risk of a fine.

While it may be tempting to wrap up warm while getting behind the wheel on a cold winter morning, it could be expensive.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must “wear footwear and clothing that will not prevent you from operating the controls properly”.

Auto experts have warned that gloves could hinder drivers due to loss of grip on the steering wheel or gear stick.

Scarves, on the other hand, could reduce visibility, as could hats and baggy coats, experts warn.

Michael Bourne, Group Marketing Director at National Tires and Autocare, said: “Driving in outfits that affect your ability to drive can lead to an accident.

“Any piece of clothing that obstructs your vision or prevents you from using the car’s controls can result in a £5,000 fine and potentially three points on your driving licence.”

The Road Traffic Act warns that anything that obstructs a driver’s vision can be considered a hazard.

If someone is caught with an object obstructing their view, they could be fined £100, which could rise to £1,000 and three penalty points on their driving license if the incident goes to court.