Is there a law about clearing ice from your car roof?

According to Title 39:4-77.1, a person may be stopped on a street or highway by a law enforcement officer who believes the accumulated ice or snow may pose a threat to persons or property and shall be subject to a fine of not less than $25.00 or more than $75.00 for each offense regardless of whether any snow or ice is dislodged from the motor vehicle.

When snow or ice is dislodged from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing injury or property damage, the following penalties shall apply:

  • The operator of a non-commercial motor vehicle shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 or more than $1,000 for each offense.
  • The operator, owner, lessee, bailee or any one of the aforesaid of a commercial motor vehicle shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,500 for each offense.

No motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points shall be assessed for this offense, however any violation of this law requires an appearance in court.