New Jersey Law Requiring Snow to be Removed from Vehicles Goes into Effect
Last month, a law that requires New Jersey drivers to remove snow and ice accumulation from their vehicles, went into effect. The law will apply to both commercial and non-commercial drivers. With this, New Jersey becomes the first state in the country to have such a law.
Now, New Jersey drivers must remove snow and ice from the windshield, roof and hood of the car. The law also applies to 18 wheelers - snow must be removed from the cab and the top of the trailer. Drivers in New Jersey who don’t comply with the new law may be fined between $25 and $75.
There will be many complaints about this law, but as a long time New Jersey resident and personal injury lawyer, I strongly believe it’s necessary. I have frequently seen motorists driving vehicles completely covered with snow and ice, except for a small patch in the front windshield, through which the driver can see the road. Flying blocks of snow and ice can intrude on other drivers around you, distracting them. Large blocks of snow and ice falling from the top of a trailer can weigh more than a ton. These can smash through a car’s windshield and injure the persons inside.
Those, who take the trouble to wipe off snow and ice from their car before they drive, should not have to dodge flying snow from other vehicles while driving. It is a huge distraction to other motorists, not to mention a major injury risk. It would be great if all drivers in New Jersey would do what is necessary, so that there wouldn’t be the need for a law like this. Unfortunately, I have seen too much “peephole driving” during winters in New Jersey to feel optimistic.
Scott Grossman is a New Jersey personal injury lawyer representing injured victims of Monmouth, Bergen, Passaic and Ocean Counties and across the state of New Jersey.
