Community Corner

Remove Snow and Ice from Your Vehicle and Avoid Fines

Drivers can be fined from $75 to $1,250 for not removing snow and ice from vehicles. The law calls for stiffer penalties when there's personal or property damage from the flying elements.

This article was written by Leslie Yager

As of Dec. 31, drivers of commercial motor vehicles, passenger cars and small trucks are all required to remove snow and ice from hoods, trunks and roofs or face fines ranging from $75 to $1,250.

According to the DMV, operators of commercial vehicles and passenger cars and trucks who drive a vehicle with accumulated snow and ice can be fined $75.

The law calls for even stiffer penalties when there’s personal or property damage from the flying elements.  In those instances the driver of a commercial vehicle faces a fine up to $1,250 and a passenger car or small truck driver can be fined up to $1,000. The law for commercial vehicles took effect Dec. 31, while the measure for passenger vehicles took effect two years ago. 

The law, Public Act No. 10-182, An Act Concerning The Removal of Snow and Ice From Motor Vehicles, reads in part:

"The operator of any motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1 of the general statutes, shall remove any accumulated ice or snow from such motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof of such motor vehicle, so that any ice or snow accumulated on such vehicle does not pose a threat to persons or property while the vehicle is being operated on any street or highway of this state."

The law does not apply if your vehicle is parked or if the snow and ice accumulated on your vehicle while you were driving in a storm.

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