6/24/04-A bill that would ticket drivers for not shoveling snow and ice off their vehicle is once again up for consideration in the Senate.
S1523, sponsored by Nicholas Spano, R-Yonkers, was introduced during the 2003 legislative session but failed to move forward. The bill was reintroduced earlier this year for reconsideration.
The bill would mandate how thoroughly vehicles are cleaned during the winter.
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle … while there is an accumulation of snow, sleet or hail” on the vehicle roof or trailer, Spano wrote.
Fines for violators would range from $450 to $1,250 for commercial vehicles. Fines would range from $150 to $850 for other vehicles. The measure wouldn’t apply to emergency vehicles and motorcycles.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee. A similar bill – A1743 – is in the Assembly Committee on Transportation.
For bill status, call (518) 455-7545. In New York, call 1-800-342-9860.

Click here to read the 2003 legislative updates for S1523.