Snow Removal from Vehicles Laws

February 9, 2015||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, personal insurance, snow removal, winter driving

Have you seen a vehicle driving down the road with a lot of snow on the roof that can blow off in big chunks? Have you seen people driving looking through a frost “peephole” on the windshield? If you have ever done either, you could face consequences for your actions.

Snow Removal from Vehicles Laws
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Laws vary from state to state that regulate safe driving, and you could be fined, so it’s essential to be aware. In New Hampshire, you could be fined $250 to $500 for not clearing snow and ice off your roof, with higher fines for second offenses. Although Massachusetts doesn’t have a specific law for snow on roofs, M.G.L. Chapter 90, Sec 13, “Safety precautions for proper operation and parking of vehicles,” prohibits anything on or in a vehicle that interferes with the proper operation. Snow or ice on the car’s windows fits this definition.

When it’s brutally cold, it can be tempting only to scrape the “necessary” portions of your car to drive. However, failing to clear off your vehicle fully can have dangerous or deadly consequences for yourself and others on the road. Beyond the risks to yourself, you can be held legally responsible if others are harmed due to your failure to take proper precautions. Keep this in mind the next time you’re tempted to do a quick brush and go. The extra few minutes it takes to clear your car will keep you and others safer in already challenging conditions.

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