When the winter months roll around, we already know we will be faced with plenty of snow and ice. While it may seem a lot easier to hop into your car right after a snowstorm and turn on the windshield wipers to get any snow off your windows, this is extremely dangerous. That’s because the snow from your hood, roof and trunk will end up blowing off your car once you pick up the speed. This very snow is then headed straight for the other cars at dangerous speeds.
Sure, it may seem like a hassle, but eliminating that extra snow before hitting the road will help everyone. In fact, it is the law in many states. Motorists all around the United States are required to clear their car completely of any snow or ice before driving. When that ice and snow blows off your car at a fast speed, it can either hit another automobile or block the driver’s view. Either way this could very well cause an accident.
Stricter Than Before
In the past, drivers would only get a ticket if the snow or ice that came off their car while out on the road caused some kind of property damage or injury. However now, a cop can pull over a motorist and give them a citation just for having any amount of snow on the hood of the car. It doesn’t matter if that snow hits anyone or anything, you can still get in trouble with the law for it. These fines that are given out range anywhere from $25 to $75. That’s if there is no damage or injuries accumulated, though. If there is damage or an injury, the fine goes up to $200 to $1000.
Commercial vehicles
If a commercial motor vehicle is the one to leave snow or ice on their car while driving, they will be looking at much higher fines. That’s because they are a much bigger vehicle that will accumulate a lot more snow and ice. If a driver of a commercial motor vehicle gets fined for this, it will range between $500 and $1000.
What many drivers don’t automatically see is that the snow or ice left on their car has the power to cause a crash or even a fatal accident. Why take that chance? It’s best to just remove it completely from your car before even thinking about getting on the road. If you don’t, be prepared to be faced with a steep fine.
To contact an attorney regarding an accident you were involved in, email us or call 973-324-9711 today.