Crime & Safety

Drivers with Snow, Ice on Vehicles Face Fines

$25 fine minimum, up to $1500 fine if damage or injury

Drivers looking to return to the road after this week's winter storm dumped more than two feet on the Jersey Shore should remember to clear all snow and ice from their vehicles before heading out according to a state law that went into effect this fall.

New Jersey drivers could now face up to a $75 fine for failing to clean the ice and snow off their cars.

In the past, said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer, drivers would only be fined if snow and ice fell off their vehicle and caused damage or injury.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Snow and ice left on a vehicle, in particular on the hood, windows and roof, can become a deadly projectile, creating a hazard for everyone on the road," Fischer said in a prepared statement. "The few moments it takes to clear ice and snow from your vehicle could prevent a crash or save a life."

Motorists will be expected to clean snow and ice off before hitting the road or face a fine of $25 to $75. The fines for damage or injury range from $200 to $1,000, or $500 to $1,500 for commercial drivers.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, no motor vehicle points will be assessed for this offense.

Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said state troopers will be enforcing the law.

"For years we've seen evidence of the dangers of snow and ice on vehicles. Now, the law prohibits what common sense should have already dictated. And troopers will be enforcing that law this winter," Fuentes said in a prepared statement.

After a 2007 incident nearly resulted in tragedy, legislators pushed for the law,  designed to prevent "flying debris" related events often resulting from projectile snow and ice from one car into another.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety recommends some tips for the harsher winter driving conditions:

  • Tune up and winterize their vehicles, as well as check the radiator, battery, antifreeze, and all other fluid levels.
  • Check tire treads and replace them if they're unsafe.
  • Check and replace windshield wiper blades if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle, and be sure to check and refill the washer fluid reservoir.
  • Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety also recommends that motorists assemble a winter driving "safety kit" before the onset of inclement weather. The kit should include: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; warm blanket; sand, salt or cat litter (for traction in ice and snow); de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; cell phone with a charged spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or protein bars); and, paper towels or a cloth.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.