We get it: Winter driving is the worst. You have to wake up earlier since driving anywhere takes so much longer, watch out for black ice, do battle against road salt…
While you probably know the basics of winter driving, you might not always sweep the snow off your car. But you really should.
For starters, it helps keep you and every other driver safer on the road. If that’s not enough of an incentive, in some states it’s against the law to leave snow and ice on your car while driving.
Vehicle snow removal laws
Snow and ice flying from vehicles can endanger drivers and pedestrians. This has prompted several states to pass snow removal laws. Just a few include:
- Pennsylvania: Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 when snow and ice flying off of their moving vehicle causes damage or injury to another vehicle or pedestrian.
- New York: It’s illegal to drive with anything on your front windshield or window that may obstruct your view or impair the view of another driver.
- Wisconsin: Drivers can be fined if snow and/or ice falls from their moving vehicle and creates a hazard for other drivers.
How to correctly get the snow and ice off your car
Here are some other tips worth remembering when it comes to getting the snow off your car:
- Roof: Snow and ice flying off your car’s roof can cause accidents and even fatalities. Do yourself and other drivers a favor and take the extra minute to completely clear off the roof.
- Windshield and rear window: Clearing both (not just the windshield) increases your visibility. Be sure to break up snow and ice buildup around your windshield wipers and washer fluid nozzles, too.
- Side windows and side view mirrors: Removing snow from these areas can be just as important as removing it from your windshields since this will enable you to have clear vision to traffic both from the side and rear.
- Head and taillights: Uncovering your headlights and taillights will help other drivers see you—and that’s especially important in poor winter weather conditions.
- License plate: It’s often against the law in many states to have your license plate obstructed in any way. (Plus, it literally takes just one swipe to clear it.)