Cold snap: several hundred euros, withdrawal of points… find out the fine if your windshield is poorly defrosted

Le gel sur le pare-brise, une corvée… MAXPPP – Jean-Marc Lallemand

Avec le froid hivernal, bon nombre d'automobilistes enlèvent rapidement le givre sur leur pare-brise avant de prendre leur véhicule  : c'est une erreur qui peut coûter très cher.

In the morning it's not always easy: you have to hurry. So with the winter cold and the frost that clings to the vehicle's windshield, it is common to leave without the ice having completely removed.

But it's a big mistake. Beyond the fact that lack of visibility while driving is extremely dangerous, having a windshield with frost on it constitutes an offense and is therefore punishable.

Up to 750 euros fine and 3 license points withdrawn

If a motorist is stopped with a windshield that has not been cleared, they may receive a ticket.

Article R316-3 of the Highway Code stipulates that the windshield windows and the front side windows on the driver's and passenger's side must have sufficient transparency, both from the both inside and outside the vehicle, and not cause any notable deformation of the objects seen through transparency or any notable modification of their colors. The transparency of these panes is considered sufficient if the regular light transmission factor is at least 70%."

And the following paragraph, article R316-3-1, stipulates that "the fact, for any driver, of traveling with a vehicle that does not comply with the provisions& nbsp; relating to the conditions of transparency of windows  is punishable by the fine provided for fourth class contraventions. This contravention automatically gives rise to a reduction of three points on your driving license." And "immobilization may be prescribed".

Which means that a poorly defrosted or poorly cleaned windshield can result in a fine, the amount of which is set at 135 euros, which can be reduced to 90 euros then increased to 375 euros. And a fine for a fourth class fine can reach 750 euros.

The offense may also result in the loss of 3 points on the offender's driving license and the vehicle can be immobilized until the windshield is sufficiently defrosted.

Advice

To avoid an accident or a fine, it is therefore advisable to defrost your windshield before driving. To do this, simply take the time to turn on the heating but not too much so that the ice melts slowly or use a scraper.

For those who are more foresighted, by placing a cardboard on the window the day before, the gel deposit should no longer be a problem.< /p>

On the other hand, it is better avoid pouring boiling water on the window, the thermal shock could damage the screen -breeze and the fine also includes the lack of visibility due to a crack…