Bill > HB474

This bill, known as the "Clear Before You Drive Act," requires individuals to make reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from exposed surfaces of their vehicle, such as the hood, trunk, windshield, windows, and roof, before operating or towing it, unless doing so would violate workplace safety laws or threaten the operator's health or safety. Enforcement by police officers is generally secondary, meaning it can only occur when a driver is stopped for another traffic violation. Penalties for violations vary based on whether the vehicle is commercial or non-commercial, with fines increasing for repeat offenses, though a person cannot be found to have violated the law more than once in a 24-hour period. Furthermore, the bill prohibits operating or towing a vehicle with snow and ice on its exposed surfaces if that condition contributes to an accident causing property damage or serious bodily injury or death to another person, with significantly higher fines for such violations.