Let’s be honest, who hasn’t experienced this: You’re already running late for work - and then, at the worst possible moment, your car windshield is frozen over. The temptation to just scrape a small viewing hole is strong. But not only is this dangerous, anyone caught doing this risks a fine.
The rule is clear: If you want to drive in winter, you must remove snow and ice from your vehicle beforehand. All front and side windows must be clear. Scraping only a small viewing hole in the windshield and getting caught can result in a fine ranging from ten to thirty-five euros, according to the official penalty catalog.
Drivers who fail to defrost their side mirrors risk fines of up to 15 euros. The car roof must also be cleared of snow, as it can slide onto the windshield and obstruct visibility when braking, which can result in fines of up to 25 euros. There is one exception, however: If a vehicle is equipped with functioning exterior mirrors, the driver is not required to scrape the rear window, as ruled by the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court.
Driving with a frozen windshield: When the fine really hits the wallet
An accident can become particularly costly - even if the driver isn’t at fault. Ice-covered windows or mirrors might have hindered a quick reaction. In such cases, drivers face not only higher fines but risk their insurance refusing coverage, leaving them to cover the damages themselves.
Defrosting the windows is an annoying chore. Many keep the engine running to warm up the interior. However, this environmentally harmful violation can be especially expensive, with fines reaching up to 80 euros.
Those who frequently struggle with ice forming on the inside of their car windows should consider alternative methods. However, avoid using ice spray or other chemical cleaners, as the fumes linger longer inside the vehicle and can be harmful when inhaled. A proven trick is to place a sock filled with cat litter on the dashboard. The sock absorbs moisture, helping to prevent the windows from freezing so quickly.