Proposed Maryland bill would make it illegal to drive with snow and ice on car

A proposed bill in Maryland would make it illegal to drive with snow and ice on your vehicle.

If House Bill 474, proposed by Del. Edith Patterson, is passed, drivers could be fined between $25 and $200 if snow or ice on their car causes harm or an accident on the road.

"When we think about the reporting of accidents, etc., by the Maryland State Police, they often look at the surface of the road or the conditions, but nothing has to do with the condition of the vehicles that are moving," Patterson said. "And so this bill, the purpose is to correct that."

Del. Veronica Turner, a co-sponsor of the bill, says the proposed legislation comes down to a matter of safety.

"Just like we fought hard to get people to put a helmet on their heads when they're riding up and down on their motorcycles and all those accidents hitting their heads," Turner said. "This is a safety message."

While the bill is still working its way through the system, Susquehanna Hose Company Chief Scott Hurst says it's especially important to be a defensive driver to avoid any issues.

"I would suggest also if you're driving behind somebody like that, maintain your distance, try to stay behind them, especially tractor-trailers," Hurst. "So if they do find out, you're not close behind them."

If passed, that bill would go into effect on October 1, 2026.

Chunk of ice hits car on I-95 in Harford County

A large piece of ice smashed through the windshield of a car in Harford County, injuring two people on Tuesday evening. 

Emergency crews responded to the crash at the Tydings Bridge on I-95, where two people were found injured in a car, according to the Susquehanna Hose Company in Havre De Grace. 

Susquehanna Hose Company Chief Scott Hurst said it was one of the worst damages he's seen from an accident of this nature during his career.

"Completely smashed the windshield, the car lost control, hit the median, hit the concrete barrier, and we ended up transporting them both to the hospital with lacerations," Hurst said.

Sunday's winter storm left roads and highways across the state with several inches of snow, which was followed by sleet and freezing rain. The frigid temperatures after the storm left road conditions slick and icy.

A similar incident happened in Anne Arundel County, where the ice smashed into the windshield of a deputy's cruiser, sending him to the hospital with minor injuries.

Don't drive with snow or ice on your car

Driving with snow on your vehicle can be dangerous for you and/or other drivers.

"As a reminder, clean all snow and ice off your vehicle before traveling, and increase your following distance behind high-profile vehicles that may be unable to clear their tops," the Susquehanna Hose Company stated.

According to the website fixautousa.com, if you are driving with snow, especially if it is thick, pieces could fall off and strike another vehicle, and either obstruct their view or damage their car.

The website says that some states have laws that prohibit driving with snow on your car or have laws regulating it.

Here are tips on clearing your car of ice and snow (from Erie Insurance):

• Give yourself time. Depending on the snowfall, especially like the winter storm Maryland had last weekend, it could take some time to fully clear off your car.
• Don't pull on frozen windshield wipers. Use an ice scraper and warm up your car.
• Don't use hot water. It can cause the windshields and windows to break.
• Use a proper snow brush.
• Start from the top. Clear the snow off the roof of the car first, and work your way down the car. Any excess snow or ice on the roof of your car has the potential to fly off in the path of another car on the road.
• Use a deicing spray.