What's happening
This bill requires drivers to remove at least two inches of snow or a half inch of ice from vehicles before driving on most New York roads, with certain exceptions and a $75 fine for violations.
Why it matters
Reduces road hazards by targeting a key source of flying debris. The bill addresses the danger posed by snow and ice sliding or flying off moving vehicles, which can damage other vehicles or cause accidents—especially on higher-speed roads.
Sets clear, measurable standards for enforcement. By specifying "at least two inches of snow or one-half inch of ice," the law gives both drivers and law enforcement clear criteria, aiming to prevent arbitrary or subjective ticketing.
Includes practical and equity-based exceptions. The bill exempts drivers during active storms, parked cars, emergency vehicles, and people with disabilities, recognizing situations where removal is impractical or could pose undue hardship.
Applies primarily to higher-speed roads, focusing on greatest risk. By limiting enforcement to roads with speed limits over 40 mph, the bill targets situations where snow and ice are most likely to become dangerous projectiles, rather than burdening drivers on slower, local streets.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Clear Snow Off Cars
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2455
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. DenDEKKER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring the removal of accumulated snow and ice from motor vehicles
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 1229-e to read as follows:
§ 1229-e. Removal of snow and ice. (1) The operator of any motor vehicle shall remove any accumulated ice or snow from such motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof of such motor vehicle, so that any ice or snow accumulated on such vehicle does not pose a threat to persons or property while the vehicle is being operated on any street or highway of this state where the speed limit exceeds forty miles per hour. Any operator who fails to remove accumulated ice or snow that poses such a threat shall be fined seventy-five dollars.
(2) This section shall not apply to: (a) any operator of a motor vehicle during a period of snow, sleet or freezing rain if such period began and continued during the period of the motor vehicle's operation; (b) any operator of a motor vehicle during the time such vehicle is parked; (c) authorized emergency vehicles, as such term is defined in section one hundred one of this chapter; or (d) to persons with a disability.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Motor vehicle" shall have the same meaning as in section one hundred twenty-five of this chapter.
(b) "Accumulated ice or snow" shall mean at least two inches of snow or one-half inch of ice.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08481-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.