Police have told TLS that if ice falls from your vehicle and damages another vehicle, it is considered an MVA. Which means, if you were to have ice fly off your vehicle and smash the windshield of the vehicle behind you, you will be charged just as you would be if you were involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident and can result in higher insurance premiums and points on your license. Also, if you were to you drive off, you can be charged with a hit and run, police said.
Just in the past week, Lakewood police received at least two calls for similar incidents, which thankfully did not result in any injuries.
In fact, even if you’re not involved in an MVA, NJ law now demands you clear the ice and snow from your vehicle, or face hefty fines, as extensively reported on TLS.
Fines range from $25 to $75 for each offense regardless of whether any snow or ice is dislodged from the vehicle. Fines increase to $200 – $1,000 when injuries or property damage occurs.
Last month on January 12, State Police issued at least 20 summonses to Lakewood drivers with snow or ice on top of their vehicles, as reported here. TLS.
Photo credit: RM.
That is taking it a little too far!!!
Taking what to far?
if your car had a window smashed in from falling ice you wouldn’t think it was going too far
it’s your responsibilty for your car, what if you were driving behind a car that did not clean its roof, and snow or ice hit your windshield, causing damage or worse hurting you or a passager, then what, it make common sense. clean your car, so to # 1, i don’t understand your comment
do you think its ok for some lazy person to drive around with rocks on thier car because they are too tired to remove it its no diffrence its actually a good law and i used to see many more people in years past not cleang thier car and potentially harming others
to #5 well said bravo
to #5 totally agree with you. There have been deaths. That’s why they made this law. Better safe than sorry.
I agree with the law. But it can be very difficult to get it ALL off. Hope they make allowances if they see an honest effort was made
To #8 what do you concided honest clear a spot in front driver’s side window? CLEAR IT ALL OFF.
to zydco
I agree with # 8, I have a minivan with a roof rack & it can be very difficult to get all of it off. If there is ice solid frozen on my roof which is difficult to get to, should I use an ice chopper or salt to get rid of it???
Also, in a lot of cases if another car is hit by the ice, they were probably tailgaiting! (unless there are multiple lanes)
#10 very well said
there is always a thin bottom layer of ice on the roof that just won’t come off even after a thotough removal of all the snow it will melt eventualy by the sun does that also call for a fine?
To 10 and 11 I drive a 2003 chevy suburban with roof racks I clean the roof off by first start the truck put the heat on high to warm the truck Oh wait the first thing I do is give myself plenty of time before leaving the house. Ok so while the truck is warming up I go and get me a broom and push all the snow off the roof, as the warmth in the truck and the sun melts the ice, I then take the broom once again slightly tap the roof to break up the ice and then brush the ice off the roof. For those like me,not that tall to simply push the snow off in one sweep across the roof I picked up a step ladder(Walmart $15) with a handle to hold myself up not to fall and hurt myself. No ticket for me.
Yesterday, A car drove 2 lengths ahead of me. and what looked like shards of glass about a foot long started flying in the air. I slowed down as I saw it fly 10 feet in the air. But yes, I would agree if someone wouldve rear-ended my car, it wouldve been a direct cause of the car that was too careless and wreckless to remove the ice from his car like i spent the time doing!!!
if you cant get off the remaining ice from the top of your car , try hooking up a hose to a hot water line . it works like a charm . melts like butter
Joe, I hope you’re joking.
#1 who has a hose connected to a hot water line ?
# 2 that will make it freeze over even worse.
Its not such a big deal. Brush off what you can and then get a car wash.