Rules on driving with snow on windscreen as police stops car

Section Officer (SO) Pete Chapman works across Calderdale for West Yorkshire Police. 

Saturday saw him deal with reports of a hate crime, one threat to commit suicide, and three crashes. 

He also spoke about what he called "the classic for today". 

SO Chapman stopped the driver of a Dacia Sandero which was covered in a thick layer of snow.

There was just a small section at the top left of the windscreen where the driver could see outside the car. 

The driver reportedly told him: "Officer I'm not going to lie to you, I was going to stop and clear it when I found somewhere safe to stop."

"I believe you. NOT," the police officer later told his Twitter followers. 

The car was covered in snow (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

What are the rules on driving with snow on your car? 

The Highway Code says those driving in adverse weather conditions must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in the vehicle.

This falls under section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning drivers are legally required to have a clear view of the road ahead before hitting the road.

Drivers could not only face a fine for failing to do this, but also place their life and those around them at risk of danger.

The law also covers drivers making sure their windscreen is de-iced on the outside and thoroughly demisted inside the vehicle.