When winter storms hit, snow and ice often stay on vehicles longer than they should. As drivers hit the road, that snow can break loose, fly into traffic, and cause serious damage or injuries. Attorney Jobeth Bowers explains what Maryland law currently says about snow and ice on vehicles, how liability works if someone is hurt, and what may change soon.
What the Law Says Right Now in Maryland
As of February 2026, Maryland does not have a specific law that makes it automatically illegal to drive with snow or ice on your vehicle. There is no statute that directly requires drivers to clear off exposed vehicle surfaces before driving. However, that does not mean there are no consequences.
If snow or ice flies off a vehicle and causes an accident, injury, or property damage, the driver may still face civil liability. In those situations, insurance companies often end up paying claims, and the at fault driver’s rates may increase.
How Drivers Can Still Be Held Responsible
Even without a specific snow removal law, drivers can still be ticketed under other traffic statutes depending on the circumstances. More importantly, if flying snow or ice causes a crash, the injured party may pursue a civil claim. Attorney Jobeth Bowers’ office has handled cases where snow or ice coming off a vehicle led to real injuries and insurance payouts.
Proposed Legislation: House Bill 474
Maryland lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 474, which would make it a violation to operate or tow a vehicle without removing accumulated snow and ice from exposed surfaces. This bill would apply not only to personal vehicles but also to trailers and towed vehicles.
As of now, this bill has not passed. It remains under consideration in the Maryland House of Delegates, and there is no guarantee it will become law during this legislative session.
Potential Penalties Under the Proposed Law
If House Bill 474 passes, penalties would escalate with repeat offenses. For non commercial vehicles, fines would start at twenty five dollars and increase with subsequent violations. Commercial vehicles would face higher fines.
The bill also classifies the violation as a secondary offense in most situations. This means a driver would typically need to be stopped for another violation first before receiving a citation for failing to clear snow or ice.
When It Could Become a Primary Offense
The proposed law includes an important exception. If snow or ice contributes to an accident that causes property damage, injury, or death, the violation could be charged on its own. In those cases, failing to clear a vehicle could be treated as a primary offense.
Why This Matters Even If the Law Has Not Passed
Even without a new statute, drivers should understand that failing to clear snow and ice can still lead to insurance claims and civil liability. Proposed legislation like House Bill 474 is often introduced, revised, and reintroduced until it eventually passes in some form.
Final Thoughts
Clearing snow and ice off your vehicle is not just about avoiding tickets. It is about preventing injuries, property damage, and insurance consequences. Maryland drivers should stay informed about current laws and proposed changes, especially during winter weather.
"*" indicates required fields