NJ Drivers Face a $1,000 Penalty If They Neglect This Single Winter Practice | Carscoops
New Jersey law mandates that drivers remove all snow from their vehicles.
Fines begin at $25 but can increase if the snow causes damage or injury.
This regulation was inspired by a fatal incident nearly three decades ago.
During winter in the Northeast, a typical parked car can transform into an unintentional snow sculpture. Some may appear elegant while others look comical, but they all share a commonality: it is illegal to drive without properly clearing them of snow.
New Jersey state officials are reminding motorists that it is essential to remove all snow and ice from the entire vehicle before driving, not just a small area on the windshield that barely provides visibility of the road. This includes clearing the windows, roof, hood, and trunk. Neglecting to remove the snow could result in significant fines and might put other drivers at risk of injury or worse.
The reason behind this rule is that snow on your roof or windows can obstruct your view or blow off and hit other vehicles. At high speeds, a solid sheet of ice becomes a dangerous projectile that can shatter windshields and dent car panels.
Fines start at $25, but if snow or ice dislodges from your vehicle and leads to an accident or injury, the penalty can escalate to $1,000. For commercial drivers, fines can be even steeper, potentially reaching $1,500.
The law's tragic origin
While this law may seem like common sense, it has a sorrowful backstory. In February 1996, Michael Eastman was driving home when a large sheet of ice detached from a trailer and crashed through his windshield, according to NJ101.5. He sustained fatal head injuries and died days later. His wife, Cathy, campaigned for years to change the law to prevent others from experiencing such a heartbreaking loss.
Her efforts ultimately succeeded, and New Jersey's lawmakers took action, making the removal of snow and ice a legal obligation rather than just an item on a winter checklist that many drivers neglected due to forgetfulness, apathy, or lack of time. It became a legal requirement, akin to wearing a seatbelt. Do you have any other sensible winter safety practices that should be implemented in states prone to snow? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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