Snow and Ice Laws in New Jersey You Need to Know
Winter weather can make it difficult to drive, especially after a big snowfall or when rain turns to ice and covers your vehicle’s windshield. While most New Jersey residents have an ice scraper in their cars, removing ice can be a timely process, especially when you’re running late to work.
However, you might be surprised to learn that New Jersey has a law in place that requires you to remove the snow and ice before driving. While it may be tempting to jump in the car when you’re running late and let the heat from the engine defrost and remove the snow, this can lead to expensive tickets.
Winter Driving Laws in New Jersey
While it has always been illegal to drive with snow or ice on your vehicle, New Jersey become even stricter with this law back in 2010. The reason for the change in the law is that waiting to remove the ice until you’re on the road not only reduces your visibility when driving but also puts other drivers on the road at risk.
If you’re driving 70 mph down the freeway and the ice breaks off, it can hit the car behind you at a fast impact. This could potentially damage their vehicle or injure them.
Potential Consequences of Driving With Ice on Your Car
Previous laws prevented drivers from driving with snow or ice. However, if caught, you would likely only get a ticket if the ice caused property damage. The newer law, however, makes it so you can be charged, even if the ice doesn’t damage another vehicle. Potential fines range between $25-75 with no damage. If the ice does cause damage, you could be subject to fines between $2,000-$1,000.
Commercial Truck Driver Laws in New Jersey
It’s important to note that these rules and laws apply to passenger vehicle drivers and that commercial truck drivers may be subject to even stricter laws. If you have ice accumulated on your vehicle, and you’re driving a commercial truck, you can expect fines between $500-$1,000, with or without vehicle damages.
While the reasoning behind this law makes sense, it may not apply to everyone’s case. For example, if you’re pulled over after removing the ice from your vehicle, you may be wrongly charged. If you receive a ticket for driving with ice and snow on your vehicle, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer.
If you drive with ice and it falls off and damages someone else’s vehicle, it’s also important to seek legal representation. Under the new law, a driver will likely be fined. You may also be sued for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
It’s important to have someone on your side who can protect your rights. A lawyer can help evaluate the details of the accidents, as well as the charges. Failing to remove the ice or snow from your vehicle fully could be an expensive mistake. Try to give yourself a few extra minutes each morning to protect yourself, and other drivers on the road.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Traffic Violation Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a traffic violation in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with a traffic violation in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester Country, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rte 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
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