Does Maine law require drivers to clear snow and ice off their vehicle? | Fact brief

Maine law requires drivers of vehicles under 10,000 pounds to take “reasonable measures” to prevent snow or ice from falling off their vehicle while driving.

If falling snow or ice from a vehicle causes damage or injury, the driver can be ticketed. A first offense carries a fine of up to $50, while repeat violations trigger fines of $150 to $250.

Every state in the Northeast has laws prohibiting the operation of a vehicle without removing significant accumulations of ice and snow, according to AAA Northeast. 

In New Hampshire, it is known as Jessica’s Law, named after Jessica Smith, a 20-year-old woman who was killed when a sheet of ice flew off a trailer and caused a crash.

New York and Massachusetts laws do not specifically reference ice and snow, but motorists can still be ticketed for carrying an unsecured load.