POLICE stopped 205 potentially hazardous cars across City and Shire as part of a winter road safety operation.
Spot checks were carried out to ensure cars and drivers are prepared for the dangers of driving in wintry conditions.
Police searched for defects that can increase risks of breakdowns and collisions in cold weather and low light conditions, such as weak batteries, faulty lighting, dirty windscreens and illegal tyres.
In Aberdeen, 122 cars were identified as having defects. Of those, 84 drivers accepted warnings for minor defects and a further three drivers were issued with Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) Notices requiring the defect to be fixed.
For the most serious defects, 35 drivers were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices or reported directly to the Procurator Fiscal for the offence.
In Aberdeenshire, 83 motorists were found to have defects in their cars, with 73 of them receiving warnings, four handed notices for serious defects and six receiving Fixed Penalty Notices.
Roads Policing Sergeant Ian Falconer said: “This campaign has been aimed at providing helpful advice and educating drivers on driving safely in the challenging winter conditions. We all want to keep moving at this time of year and it is vital that any defects or faults are dealt with in the proper manner.
“If anyone is unsure about a potential defect or unsure how to carry out safety checks, then we advise them to ask a friend or family member for assistance or visit a garage for a pre-winter inspection service.”