What's happening
This bill requires drivers to remove accumulated snow and ice from their vehicles before driving on roads over 40 mph, with certain exemptions and a $75 fine for violations.
Why it matters
Targets a specific safety risk. By requiring removal of at least two inches of snow or half an inch of ice from vehicles, the bill aims to prevent hazardous debris from dislodging at high speeds, which can cause accidents or injuries to other drivers and property.
Focuses enforcement where risk is highest. The rule only applies on roads with speed limits over 40 mph, reflecting that flying snow and ice pose greater dangers at higher speeds, rather than on local streets or while parked.
Includes practical exemptions. Drivers are not penalized if snow or ice accumulates while driving in active wintry conditions, nor are emergency vehicles or people with disabilities required to comply, balancing safety goals with reasonable limits.
Establishes a clear, consistent penalty. A $75 fine provides a straightforward consequence for violations, intended to encourage compliance and raise awareness without being excessively punitive.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Remove Snow from Cars
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4197
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 1, 2019
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.
LBD07792-01-9
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.