I drove on both Route 22 and Route 78 last week, several days after Sunday’s large snow and sleet event, and was both amazed and appalled by how many cars and trucks were still covered in snow and ice. It is pure laziness and selfishness.

Someone was severely injured on Route 22 last week when flying ice struck their windshield after falling from another vehicle. Even if your vehicle is not directly hit by ice, snow blowing off another car or truck can blind you instantly. Given how crowded our highways have become, this is incredibly dangerous.

Weak Enforcement Makes the Problem Worse

Unfortunately, the lack of meaningful enforcement does not help the situation. Current penalties are laughable. A fine of just $50 for failing to clear a vehicle, regardless of whether snow or ice actually dislodges, does little to deter anyone.

If snow or ice falls from a vehicle and causes bodily injury or death, the fine ranges from $200 to $1,500. Even that is not enough to change behavior. Some states have addressed this more effectively by allowing civil liability when someone is injured. That approach actually gets people’s attention.

What Drivers Can and Should Do

If it is your car, the solution is simple. Clean the entire vehicle, including the roof, before leaving your driveway. Allow yourself enough time to do it properly. If freezing conditions are expected, clear the snow as soon as the storm ends to prevent ice from forming.

Never leave snow or ice on your vehicle, thinking it will just blow off. It will, and it could seriously injure or kill someone.

Trucks Are Not an Exception

Trucks are another major part of this problem. Most trucking facilities already have equipment designed to clear snow and ice from the tops of trailers. There is no excuse for trucks leaving a yard with snow or ice still on them.

At our company, the day after a snowstorm always begins with cleaning every vehicle thoroughly before it hits the road. Safety comes first.

Drivers should never climb on top of a truck to clear snow or ice. That is dangerous. Instead, trucks should be equipped with ladders and brushes with extension poles long enough to safely reach all areas of the roof. These tools should be standard equipment in every truck during the winter season. It simply takes effort and accountability.

What the Public and Law Enforcement Can Do

The public can play a role as well. State police need to take a much more active role in enforcing these laws. If you see an uncleaned vehicle on the highway, especially a truck, call 911 and report it immediately. A fine is one thing, but preventing a serious accident is far more important.

Time for Real Consequences

I look forward to the day when state legislatures finally take this issue seriously. An effective solution would be increasing fines for passenger vehicles, with penalties escalating for repeat violations. Tie those violations to license points. Accumulate enough points, and drivers risk losing their license.

For trucks, fines should be higher for a first offense. Any subsequent violations should result in points on the driver’s record, which is a serious consequence for CDL holders and would quickly change behavior.


This is a serious problem, and it demands serious solutions and real enforcement. Some things in life are unavoidable. This is not one of them.