WASHINGTON — Following a winter storm, it’s common to see drivers clearing just enough snow from their windshields to navigate, neglecting the rest of the vehicle, which remains blanketed in ice and snow. But is this practice actually legal?

The legality of this action varies based on your location.

There is no overarching federal mandate requiring drivers to remove snow or ice from their vehicles. Instead, states have adopted varying approaches, with many relying on general traffic regulations rather than specific statutes targeting snow removal.

In the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, there isn’t a specific statute mandating drivers to clear snow from their car roofs, as confirmed by police departments across these areas.

However, that does not mean drivers are off the hook. 

Instead of snow-specific statutes, officers often may rely on existing traffic laws, such as those governing obstructed views, unsecured loads or unsafe vehicles. In those cases, drivers can be cited if snow or ice blocks visibility, falls onto other vehicles, or otherwise poses a danger on the road.

In Maryland, for example, transportation law prohibits driving a vehicle if it is loaded in a way that obstructs the driver’s view or interferes with control of the vehicle. While the statute does not mention snow, it can apply if snow or ice blocks visibility or creates a hazard. 

Some states have passed laws that specifically address snow or ice falling from vehicles, while others enforce the issue through broader safety regulations. In either case, drivers may be held responsible if snow or ice causes damage or injury.

In New Jersey, drivers can be fined $25 to $75 for failing to remove snow or ice from their vehicles, even if none of it falls off. If snow or ice dislodges and causes property damage or injury, fines increase to between $200 and $1,000.

In Ohio, officers enforce the issue through general safety laws rather than a snow-specific statute. Snow on the roof of a car is not automatically illegal, but drivers can be cited if their vehicle is considered unsafe or if snow or ice falls and causes damage. And if snow or ice falls from a vehicle and damages another car, drivers could face a minor misdemeanor charge. 

Even without a specific law, officials say clearing snow and ice from vehicles is strongly recommended, as doing so can help prevent crashes, fines and injuries.