You might want to start cleaning the snow off of more than just your driveway. A set of bills being considered by the state Legislature call for fining drivers spotted with large amounts of snow on their car.
The handful of proposed bills range from fines of $75 to $1,250 depending on the type of vehicle and damage caused by the snow, according to the New York State Assembly database.
The largest bill features fines ranging from $150 to $800 for non-commercial vehicles and $450 to $1,250 for trucks with more than 3 inches of snow. Another proposal involves fines of $500 to $1,250 for snow flying off of cars and causing property damage.
There are a few exceptions to the laws. Drivers would not be subject to fines while it is snowing and disabled drivers would always be exempt. All of the bills were proposed last year and their likelihood for becoming law are uncertain.
A majority of the fines will go toward new state funds focused on enhancing snow and ice removal, increasing public awareness of the potential hazard, and a DMV report on the fund.
“It can be dangerous when motorists proceed to drive without cleaning the snow off their cars or trucks,” says Assemblyman David Buchwald. “I have yet to hear a definitive reason why New York should not join states like New Jersey and Connecticut in requiring motorists to clear snow off their vehicles for the sake of public safety.”
