Snow and Ice Removal from Vehicles
From Franklin Lakes Police Department
The Franklin Lakes Police Department would like to remind all residents that New Jersey Statute prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle with accumulated snow and/or ice on any part of the vehicle. This includes all areas such as the roof, hood, trunk, windshield, and the tops of trailers. The law went into effect October 20, 2010.
Snow and ice left on vehicles can become deadly projectiles, causing significant and costly damage to other vehicles, and potentially fatal injuries to motorists and their passengers. A driver is in violation of this statute regardless of whether or not the snow and/or ice dislodge from the vehicle. Under the law, police are authorized to issue a summons “when the officer feels the accumulation on the vehicle poses a danger to persons and/or property”.
Each year in New Jersey, more than 75,000 crashes occur on snow and ice covered roads, resulting in 20,000 injuries and 10 lives lost. While it is always safest to stay off the roads in bad weather, if you must travel, slow down especially on bridges and exit ramps; leave ample travel time; allow extra space between your vehicle and others on the road; and always buckle-up.