J. J. Keller® Compliance Network Logo
Start Customizing Your Profile for Free!
Update to Professional Trial!

Experience Everything Compliance Network Has to Offer

Already have an account?
FREE TRIAL UPGRADE!
Thank you for investing in EnvironmentalHazmat related content. Click 'UPGRADE' to continue.
CANCEL
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Enjoy your limited-time access to the Compliance Network Professional Trial!
A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Please check your spam/junk folder if you can't find it in your inbox.
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Thank you for your interest in EnvironmentalHazmat related content.
WHOOPS!
You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868.

Recently-enacted legislation revised Pennsylvania’s snow- and ice-removal law to include exceptions for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

Under Senate Bill 1094, all drivers are expected to make a reasonable effort to remove accumulated snow or ice from their vehicles within 24 hours after the end of falling snow or ice.

A driver who fails to remove accumulated snow or ice may be stopped by law enforcement and fined $50. If snow or ice is dislodged from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the driver will be fined between $200 and $1,500 for each offense.

The driver of a CMV, including a bus, is excepted from these provisions if:

  • Traveling to facility to remove the accumulated snow or ice at the time of the stop, or
  • Complying with this requirement violates any other federal or state law or regulation regarding workplace safety or would be a threat to the health or safety of the driver.

This legislation went into effect September 9, 2022.

Other state snow and ice removal laws

A few additional east coast states have laws that specifically address the removal of snow and ice from vehicles, including Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

In Connecticut, the driver of a CMV must remove accumulated snow or ice from the vehicle.

A driver who fails to remove accumulated snow or ice could be fined $75. If snow or ice falls from the vehicle and causes injury or property damage, the driver will be fined between $500 and $1,250.

The driver of a CMV is excepted from these requirements:

  • During a period of snow, sleet, or freezing rain if such period began and continued during the period of the vehicle’s operation; or
  • When the vehicle is parked.

In New Jersey, a driver must make a reasonable effort to remove snow and ice from the cab of a truck, the top of a trailer or semitrailer being drawn by a motor vehicle, and the top of an intermodal freight container being carried by an intermodal chassis.

A driver who fails to make a reasonable effort to remove the snow or ice may be fined $25 to $75 for each offense.

In Rhode Island, a driver may not operate a vehicle with a “significant” amount of snow or ice on the vehicle. “Significant” is considered an amount of accumulation that, when it blows off the vehicle, obscures the vision of another driver.

A driver who violates this provision is subject to a fine of $85.

Key to remember: Drivers need to make a reasonable effort to remove snow and ice from their vehicles, taking into account both the safety of the driver and the safety of the motoring public.