By: Richard L. Smith
As the deep freeze grips New Jersey following the recent snowstorm, the New Jersey State Police are urging commuters and drivers to take extra time this morning to thoroughly clean snow and ice off their vehicles before heading out.
Motorists who merely clear a windshield “window” and leave the roof, hood, or trunk covered with snow or ice are creating hazardous conditions for other drivers.
At highway speeds, chunks of snow and hard ice can suddenly dislodge and become dangerous flying debris, potentially striking other vehicles, blocking vision or causing accidents.
The risk is especially high during cold snaps when snow and ice bond tightly to vehicles and then break free as cars gain speed.
New Jersey law requires drivers to remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before driving; failing to do so carries penalties.
Motorists can be fined $25 to $75 for each offense if snow or ice remains on their vehicle, even if no accident occurs.
If snow or ice flies off a vehicle and leads to property damage or injury to another person, fines can rise to up to $1,000 for non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers face even steeper penalties.
The rule has been in place for years, but enforcement and public awareness efforts have increased as weather events become more extreme and more vehicles are seen driving with heavy accumulations of snow and ice.
In some parts of the state, law enforcement reports that many drivers still neglect this basic winter safety measure, prompting repeated warnings from traffic safety officials.
Local authorities say the message is simple: don’t rush out if you haven’t fully cleared your vehicle after a storm.
Leaving early to remove snow and ice not only helps you avoid a fine, it significantly reduces the danger you pose to other motorists, especially on highways and major thoroughfares where flying ice can become a serious, high-speed hazard.
With temperatures well below freezing and road conditions still challenging from Sunday’s snowstorm, the state police remind drivers that a few extra minutes spent cleaning your car can go a long way toward keeping New Jersey’s roads safer for everyone.