‘Ice missile’ law now in effect

We’ve all done it: weighed the options of clearing snow from a vehicle before hitting the road. The mental calculation usually includes wondering whether or not it will blow off in the slipstream, or end up slipping down and taxing the windshield wipers. From the legal point of view, it’s now clear. All drivers in Connecticut must clear their cars. And by the way, all vehicle lights and license plates also need to be clear of snow or heavy accumulations of dirt.In the first six weeks after the new law went into effect, Connecticut State Police say they ticketed more than 230 drivers of snow-covered vehicles.As of Jan. 1, a state “ice missile” law makes it illegal to drive on a state road with accumulated snow and ice on the hood, trunk or roof of a vehicle. The goal is to prevent accidents and damage to other vehicles and property when large chunks of snow and/or ice fly off vehicles. They can shatter windshields, cause drivers to swerve out of control or leave slippery patches in the road.Drivers were given four years from the law’s passage to learn about it and get ready (and presumably to buy a decent snow brush).The offense carries a $75 fine, plus $45 in various surcharges. If there is an incident resulting in personal injury or property damage, the fine is $200 to $1,000. Commercial vehicle drivers face fines of $500 to $1,250.Those 230-plus drivers were issued fines totaling about $28,000.A law is only good if it is enforced. It could be said that enforcement is adding to the burdens of a rough winter. But there is no arguing that this law can have a marked impact on public safety and maybe even insurance rates if it raises awareness.No statistics are available at this point on what types of vehicles were ticketed and how much snow they were carrying when pulled over. It has long been a practice of many large-vehicle operators, especially school bus companies, to require snow and ice be cleared from roofs before traveling.