Relates to the requirement for motor vehicle operators to make reasonable efforts to clear accumulated snow and ice

1 Co-sponsor

• Jesse Hamilton

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring reasonable efforts be made to clear motor vehicles of accumulated snow and ice

Purpose or general idea of bill

To facilitate safer roadways in the State.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill creates a new violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law for failing to remove accumulated snow or ice from a motor vehicle where the snow or ice poses a threat to persons or property while vehicle is being operated. The fines are $75 or between $200 and $1,000 if such failure results in injuries or property damage, and between $500 and $1,250 if commercial vehicle violates this section and injuries or property damage results.

The bill also provides exceptions to the application of the statute when a vehicle is parked or for emergency vehicles at all times.

Section 2 of the bill sets forth an immediate effective date.

Justification

Snow or ice falling from cars while on slick and busy roads can lead to tragedy. The snow and ice could lead to impaired visibility and or significant property damages such as, but not limited to, severely cracked windshields. The two other tri-state area states, Connecticut and New Jersey have passed laws requiring snow and ice be removed from cars and it is time New York follows suit.

Prior legislative history

2015-16: A5985(Lavine) 2013-14: S.7765, A.8882 (Lavine)

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None known.

Effective date

This bill shall take effect 60 days after enactment.