6/12/08-The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee transferred a bill to the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee that would permit police to pull over drivers whose vehicles are not cleared of snow and ice. The rule would apply to commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
State law now prohibits car and truck drivers from being fined for driving a snow-capped vehicle. However, if a piece of ice falls from a vehicle and causes injury or property damage, car drivers face fines between $200 and $1,000, while truck drivers could be fined $500 to $1,500.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Munoz, R-Westfield, A1718 would make drivers responsible for making “all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow from the motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof prior to operation.”
Violators would face fines between $25 and $75. No points would be assessed against the driver’s license.
Drivers would not be liable for snow or ice that accumulates on a vehicle while out on the road.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

1/30/08-A bill in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee would permit police to pull over drivers whose vehicles are not cleared of snow and ice. The rule would apply to commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
State law now prohibits car and truck drivers from being fined for driving a snow-capped vehicle. However, if a piece of ice falls from a vehicle and causes injury or property damage, car drivers face fines between $200 and $1,000, while truck drivers could be fined $500 to $1,500.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Munoz, R-Westfield, A1718 would make drivers responsible for making “all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow from the motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof prior to operation.”
Violators would face fines between $25 and $75. No points would be assessed against the driver’s license.
Drivers would not be liable for snow or ice that accumulates on a vehicle while out on the road.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.
A similar Senate bill – S520 – is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor.