Ohio Drivers Are Getting Fined For Something Most People Forget In Winter
Authorities remind Ohio motorists that failing to clear snow could lead to fines
https://www.carscoops.com/author/stephen-rivers/
by Stephen Rivers
Ohio drivers can face fines if fallen snow damages another vehicle.
Instructors warn that snow can block visibility for drivers and others.
Officials urge motorists to clear snow thoroughly before driving.
Winter is upon the northern hemisphere, and it brings more than just frosty mornings and frozen windshields. For Ohio drivers, it also comes with a legal reminder that ignoring the snow piling up on your car can cost you more than just visibility.
In fact, allowing that snow or ice to fly off and damage another vehicle could land you with a fine, and a pretty good argument to add a few extra minutes to your morning routine.
Read: New Colorado Law Mandates Snow Chains For These Cars
Technically, it’s not illegal in Ohio to drive with snow still on your car. But if that snow or ice comes loose and hits another vehicle, you could be charged with a minor misdemeanor under the state’s unsafe vehicle laws. The problem isn’t the snow itself, it’s what happens when it flies off.
Winter Hazards, Plain and Simple
Driving instructor Andy Hamrick, who works at Bick’s Driving School near Cherry Grove, said the rule often surprises drivers who assume snow simply counts as an inconvenience. Instead, he noted that built-up snow can create dangerous situations for everyone sharing the road.
Snow sitting on the hood can blow upward and block the driver’s own visibility, while snow on the roof can slide off at speed and blind or damage the car behind.
He stressed that visibility becomes especially critical during winter storms, when roads are already slick and reaction times shrink dramatically. We’ve already seen just how bad that can be this year after a 55-car pile-up in Wisconsin.
According to Hamrick, drivers should treat snow removal as part of the basic prep work before leaving the house, because Ohio’s safety laws don’t leave much wiggle room.
What Does the Law Require?
Ford
“Ohio law states the windows have to be uncovered, the tail lights, the head lights, the license plate light,” he explained to WCPO Cincinnati. A violation can carry a fine of up to $170, and the extra frustration of knowing the entire situation could have been avoided with a few extra minutes of effort.
For many commuters, that means waking up earlier and budgeting significantly more time for winter travel. Hamrick recommends doubling or even tripling the usual morning routine, giving drivers enough time to remove snow from the roof, hood, windows, lights, and trunk area.
He also suggests raising windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass, a simple trick that can save both time and equipment. A little patience, much like removing snow before driving, can go a long way and save some money in the process.
Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops (1), Ford (2), Mercedes (3)
