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 “peep hole” on the windshield? Have you ever done either of these things?

Laws vary from state to state that regulate safe driving, and you could be fined, so it’s important to 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 proper operation of the vehicle. Snow or ice on car's windows fits this definition.

When it’s brutally cold, it can be tempting to only scrape the “necessary” portions of your car to drive. However, failing to fully clear off your vehicle can have injurious 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 failing to take proper precautions. Keep this in mind the next time you’re tempted to just do a quick brush and go. The extra couple minutes it takes to clear your car will keep you and others safer in conditions that are already challenging.