Current law allows police officers to cite drivers for ice and snow on the top of their vehicles if the ice or snow falls from the vehicle and causes injury or death. Specifically 75 Pa. C.S.A.§3720 reads “when snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury…the operator of the vehicle from which the snow or ice is dislodged or falls shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1000 for each offense”. 

Recently however, Senators in Pennsylvania are sponsoring legislation that would allow police officers to issue fines if snow or ice on a vehicle is deemed a possible threat to people or property. If passed, drivers who do not make a reasonable effort to remove snow and ice could be fined $25-$75.  This proposal by the Senators of Pennsylvania is an effort to strengthen the current law by deterring people from leaving ice and snow on their cars/vehicles. 

So please while you are digging yourselves out of these recent snow storms, don’t forget to clear the ice and snow of the top of your vehicle to avoid causing any possible injury to drivers or pedestrians!