Bill > SB698

This bill requires individuals to make reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from exposed vehicle surfaces, such as the hood, trunk, windows, and roof, before operating or towing a vehicle, provided that doing so would not violate workplace safety laws or endanger the operator's health or safety. This prohibition is primarily enforced as a secondary action 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 makes it illegal to commit such a violation if it contributes to an accident resulting in property damage or serious bodily injury or death to another person, carrying higher fines for these more severe consequences.