As temperatures start to fall and our windscreens start to freeze, more and more of us must navigate the tricky challenge of melting the ice and warming up the vehicle before our commute or school run. With temperatures likely to reach double-digit minus figures in some places this winter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see many drivers seek comfort indoors as their Land Rover warms up. This could prove to be problematic. With keys left in the ignition to enable the motor to keep running and the driver indoors, it’s possible that a fine of £80 could be issued.
In this blog, we look at why Land Rover owners could be coughing up an extra £80 if they leave their keys in the ignition.
Is there a fine for leaving the keys in the car?
Yes. If you have put the keys in the ignition to start the engine and help warm up the vehicle, and then leave the car unattended, you could be fined. A rule in the Highway Code states that drivers must always maintain control of their vehicle when the engine is running on a public road. Rule 123 mentions that “You must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.”
Whilst warming up your car and clearing the windscreen may well be deemed necessary to you, it’s leaving the vehicle unattended that sees you face potential penalties.
How much is the fine?
If you leave your Land Rover unattended with the engine running, you could find yourself fined as much as £80 in London and £20 in other areas. This isn’t the only financial penalty you could be facing. Leaving the car unattended could also mean your insurance premiums increase substantially.
Will my insurance cover me if the keys are left in the ignition and the vehicle is stolen?
Probably not. Leaving your keys in the car to warm it up but leaving the vehicle unattended, increases the risk of theft. Opportunistic thieves see a vehicle with its engine running and no driver around as an ideal opportunity. Land Rover theft, whilst on the decline, remains prominent. WhatCar reports that in 2024, the Range Rover Evoque was the seventh most stolen vehicle in the UK. This is despite a 30% year-on-year drop in thefts of the popular model.
Insurance companies often include a “keys in car” exclusion clause within their policies. This means that if the car is stolen while the engine is running and the vehicle is unattended, you won’t be covered. Then, when you come to renew, you could find that your new policy costs a lot more than the old one.
What should you do to avoid the fine for leaving keys in the ignition?
Put simply, stay inside your vehicle! For the few minutes of cold you may feel, you reduce the risk of your Land Rover being stolen and also ensure you avoid the potential £20 or £80 fine. Of course, nobody likes standing out in the cold or sitting in a cold vehicle for prolonged periods, so aim to reduce that time.
- Invest in a decent ice scraper
- Get a frost shield
- Park your vehicle in the garage
- Read our guide for stopping your windscreen freezing on the inside
What can I do to stop my windscreen freezing?
If your ice scraper isn’t cutting it and your Land Rover takes an age to heat up, you can try a few things to reduce just how much your windscreen freezes up. As we touched upon earlier, a windscreen cover/frost shield can prove useful, but there is much more you can do.
- Use anti-freeze: In the evening, spray some de-icer on the windscreen to prevent ice buildup. Do it before the windscreen has already frozen, and in the morning, you’ll have much less ice to worry about.
- Park smart: If you can, use your garage; if you don’t have a garage, park facing East so the early morning sun can aid the melting process. Also, avoid parking under trees; you run the risk of your vehicle being exposed to increased levels of moisture, which can then freeze.
- Remember the heating system: Before you leave your vehicle overnight, use the heater to ensure your windscreen is completely dry. This will reduce frost adhesion. In the morning, use the demister to melt any ice buildup, remembering to stay in your Land Rover.
- Lift wipers off the windscreen: Raise your wiper blades off the glass. This will stop them from freezing in place.
- Use washer fluid with built-in anti-freeze: This will aid the de-icing process as you drive and reduce the potential for freezing later on.
Of course, leaving your keys in the ignition at any time of year is risky. Whilst we have spoken about winter, you are liable for a fine at any stage of the year if you leave the keys in the ignition with the engine running. Use these tips to avoid fines and reduce the risk of theft this winter.
At RCV, we have a team of experienced Land Rover specialists on hand to ensure your Land Rover or Jaguar is in its best possible condition this winter. Our comprehensive services, Land Rover MOTs and wheel alignments, are carried out using only the latest technology and the highest possible standards. We are located in Kent, but welcome those looking for Land Rover services in Surrey, Essex, and London too. If you are even further afield, we’d be delighted to have you bring your Land Rover to us as well. Get in touch today and see how we can save you money on your Land Rover essential maintenance now!