Common driving habit in the cold that could land you with £5,000 fine this Christmas

Motorists have been cautioned about a frequent habit during the chilly season that could result in a hefty £5,000 fine as Christmas approaches. Markus Lindblad from Northerner, a retailer of tobacco-free nicotine alternatives, has urged drivers to resist vaping inside their vehicles.

He said: "When the weather is colder, you may be tempted to vape in the car instead of standing out in the cold."

"Contrary to popular belief, vaping is technically illegal in the car. Drivers can receive a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points if police believe the clouds of smoke impact your ability to drive safely."

He recommended using nicotine pouches as an alternative, noting: "Due to being smokeless or vapourless, they are perfectly safe for use while driving."

Lindblad also warned against driving with frosted windows and mirrors, stating: "It is an offence however, to drive with your window obstructed, so it's important to make sure it's fully de-misted or de-iced before setting off to avoid receiving a fine of up to £60.", reports Birmingham Live.

The AA has underscored the need to steer clear of distractions such as smoking when behind the wheel, citing Rule 148 of the Highway Code.

The AA has further clarified that in England, company vehicles must be smoke-free if they are used to transport members of the public or employees. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, smoking is prohibited in any work vehicle unless it's a personal car.

The AA also pointed out that under the Children and Families Act 2015, it became an offence to smoke in cars when children are present, but these rules do not apply to e-cigarettes.