New Law Could Mean Fines This Winter in New York

We see it every Winter. The car covered in snow, with barely a hole big enough to see out the front windshield driving down the road as snow and ice blow everywhere. The driver of that car can now be fined $150 or more.

A law that passed the Senate and Assembly requires snow and ice to be removed from vehicles before hitting the road, and not just the windshield.

Bill S395A says "motor vehicles, with certain exceptions, shall not be operated with an accumulation of snow or ice on the surface."

The new section is an amendment to the vehicle and traffic law.

S 1229-E. CLEARANCE OF SNOW, SLEET, AND HAIL. 1. NO PERSON SHALL OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC STREET OR HIGHWAY WHILE THERE IS AN ACCUMULATION OF SNOW, SLEET, OR HAIL ON THE ROOF OR CARGO BED SURFACES THEREOF, WHETHER OF ANY OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT, TRAILER, OR OTHER CARGO COMPARTMENT IN EXCESS OF THREE INCHES.

2. THE REMOVAL OF ACCUMULATED SNOW, SLEET, OR HAIL REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY DURING THE FALLING OF SNOW, SLEET, OR HAIL OR WITHIN THREE HOURS AFTER THE CESSATION OF THE FALLING THEREOF.

3. (A) THE OPERATOR OF A NON-COMMERCIAL VEHICLE IN VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EXCLUDING A DISABLED OPERATOR, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS.

So before you head out, make sure your car is clear of snow and ice from not just the front windshield. Clean the roof, lights and all windows to avoid getting a ticket.

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