Snow and ice warning across the UK could lead to motorists facing a range of unfamilliar hazards
Kieran Isgin Money & Lifestyle writer
10:39, 05 Jan 2026
Motorists may spot an unfamilliar light on their dashboard this week(Image: Getty Images)
Many drivers across the UK will be facing harsher weather conditions on the roads this week, which may result in some unfamilliar dashboard lights popping up. It comes as the Met Office has issued more snow and ice warnings across the country, as temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing.
Large parts of England and Wales, including Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Cardiff, are under a yellow warning for snow and ice, which could be in place until as late as 11am on Tuesday, January 6. Meanwhile, parts of Scotland have been issued an amber warning for snow, which could lead to significant disruptions to travel and public services.
Colder and harsher weather conditions also mean that road conditions will likely be more hazardous, increasing the risk to drivers and pedestrians. Generally, it is advised to avoid driving in icy and snowy conditions unless absolutely necessary.
George Fiddes from Transport Scotland said: “Particularly cold weather is expected this week which is likely to impact driving conditions in the areas covered by the yellow warning, so our advice to motorists is to plan your journey, leave extra time if needed and drive to the conditions.”
Dashboard lights that could pop up during colder conditions
As conditions could be more hazardous, motorists may find some rare lights popping up and their dashboard, which could raise concern if they’re not completely sure what they mean. One such example is the snowflake dashboard warning light, which can often be accompanied by an image of a road depending on the vehicle.
Unlike many other warning lights that generally signify that something could be wrong with your car, the snowflake light is far less serious, but important nonetheless. Some cars will show a snowflake light on the dashboard if the car’s sensors detect that temperatures are around 3C or lower.
The key aim of this light is to inform the driver that they could face risks on the road relating to the lower temperatures. In particular, it may show around the 3C mark as this is when black ice is likely to form on some roads, which can lead to vehicles having less grip and thus increasing the chance of loss of control..
Some cars may also change the colour of the light from amber to red if temperatures drop below 0C in order to provide a more stern warning.
Do I need to do anything if I see a snowflake warning light?
It’s important to note that a snowflake dashboard light is simply an advisory which urges the driver to be aware of potential risk they may face while driving. Because of this, no extra action needs to be taken to make the light go away and there will generally be no fault with the car in relation to the light.
However, it may be a good idea to follow Highway Code guidance on driving in snowy and icy conditions and this does increase the risk to yourself and other road users. For example, Rule 231 of the Highway Code states: “Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.”
It adds that drivers should go at a slow speed in as high a gear as posisble while only gently accelerating or braking. This is especially important in areas with bends where loss of control is more likely.
It also advises that drivers “check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road.”
Further guidance on driving in snowy and icy conditions can be found on the Highway Code website here.
