Maryland bill would fine drivers for snow and ice on vehicles

Four Maryland delegates introduced legislation Thursday that would fine drivers who operate vehicles without removing snow and ice from hoods, roofs, windows, and other exposed surfaces.

House Bill 474, called the Clear Before You Drive Act, would make it illegal to drive or tow a vehicle with snow and ice buildup that poses a threat to people or property. The bill was introduced January 23 and assigned to the Environment and Transportation Committee.

The penalties: For basic violations while driving a noncommercial vehicle, fines would start at $25 for a first offense and increase to $200 for a fourth or subsequent offense. Commercial vehicle operators would face higher fines, starting at $75 and reaching $1,000 for a fifth or subsequent offense.

What drivers must clear: Drivers would need to remove snow and ice from their hoods, trunks, windshields, windows, roofs, and truck cabs before driving. Truck drivers would also need to clear the tops of trailers and semitrailers.

How police can enforce it: Police could only enforce the basic violation as a secondary offense, meaning they would need to stop a driver for another violation first. That restriction would not apply if the snow or ice contributed to an accident causing property damage, death, or serious bodily injury. In those cases, fines would range from $200 to $1,000 for noncommercial vehicles and $500 to $1,500 for commercial vehicles.

The bill would take effect October 1, if passed.

Delegates Patterson, Korman, Harrison, and Turner sponsored the legislation.