Drivers must clear ice and snow from vehicles before driving

Drivers must remove accumulated ice and snow from the vehicle’s outside surfaces before driving. The rule covers people operating vehicles, with the stated roadway and farm vehicle exceptions. During continuous operation, drivers need not remove ice or snow that builds up on surfaces other than the windshield. The rule does not apply on roads with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, to farm tractors, or to farm vehicles exempt from inspection. The ice and snow must be removed before the vehicle is operated.

Drivers who violate the removal rule are subject to a civil penalty. The penalty applies to drivers who fail to comply with the removal rule, subject to the stated roadway and farm vehicle exceptions. Each day of a violation counts separately, but a driver may receive no more than one penalty for a violation of this section in any 24-hour period. The penalty applies for each day the violation continues, subject to the 24-hour limit.

Civil penalties apply when ice or snow falls from a moving vehicle and causes property damage or physical injury. A noncommercial vehicle’s driver is subject to a $200 to $1,000 penalty. The operator, owner, lessee, or bailee of a commercial vehicle is subject to a $500 to $1,500 penalty. The penalty is for each occurrence that causes property damage or physical injury. The penalty applies to each occurrence that causes property damage or physical injury.

Police officers may make an administrative stop to enforce the section when they reasonably suspect a violation has occurred. A person may not receive motor vehicle points or a driving record entry for failing to comply with this section. The officer may make the stop upon reasonable and articulable suspicion that a violation has occurred.