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Sacco Bill To Force Motorists To Remove Snow From Vehicles

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas J. Sacco, to impose penalties on drivers who do not remove snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road, was approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.

“Every winter, drivers must watch out for snow and ice hazards, not just from accumulated snow on the roads, but also from the other cars and trucks that failed to take the time to clear the snow from their vehicles,” said Senator Sacco, D-Bergen and Hudson. “Law enforcement has expressed their concern they could not stop a vehicle simply for having failed to remove snow and ice. Also, when one vehicle was hit by snow or ice from another vehicle, it was up to the driver who was hit to try and identify which car or truck the snow or ice came from. This measure will allow law enforcement to intervene before something happens, simply by observing a vehicle creating a snow and ice hazard.”

The bill, S-2640, would make failure to remove ice or snow from a vehicle prior to driving a motor vehicle offense. The bill would also authorize law enforcement to stop vehicles if it is believed that the accumulated ice or snow may pose a threat to people or property.

“Snow and ice flying off a speeding car creates life-threatening dangers for good drivers,” said Senator Sacco.

According to Senator Sacco, “All drivers must make every reasonable effort to remove accumulated ice or snow on the hood, trunk and roof of their vehicles.”

Senator Sacco stated that the maximum fine for failing to remove snow would be $75 for each offense.

Senator Sacco stated that, “Current law only addresses instances where snow or ice is dislodged from a vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing injury or damage, and carries a maximum penalty of $1000 for a non-commercial vehicle and up to $1500 for a commercial vehicle.”

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

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