Winters in New Jersey can be a dangerous time to be on the road, especially when snow is heavy and winds are blowing. In such conditions, it’s critical that motorists have optimal visibility of the roadway and surrounding traffic. Furthermore, accumulated snow or ice can fly off a car and strike another vehicle, causing an accident or injury. For these reasons, the New Jersey legislature enacted a law that makes the state one of a handful that requires a motor vehicle operator to remove all snow and ice before getting on the road.
The New Jersey statute mandates that drivers make “all reasonable efforts” to remove snow or ice from a car or truck, including the hood, windshield, windows, roof, bumper, and trunk. Commercial truck drivers must clear the top of the trailer, as well as the cab. The objective is to eliminate any accumulation that might limit the driver’s view of the road or blow off and hit another vehicle.
When driving in heavy snow, you may need to pull over periodically to remove accumulated flurries or ice. Police officers can stop you any time your vehicle has a dangerous accumulation.
The fines for driving with accumulated snow or ice range from $25 to $75 for each offense. However, if snow or ice flies off your vehicle and causes personal injury or property damage to another person or vehicle, the fines can range from $200 to $1,000 for non-commercial vehicles and $500 to $1,500 for commercial vehicles.
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