by Winter Warning for Drivers
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere brings not only frosty mornings and icy windshields. For drivers in the state of Ohio, it also comes with a legal reminder: ignoring accumulated snow on your car can cost more than just reduced visibility.
If snow or ice flies off your vehicle and causes damage to another vehicle, it can lead to a fine. This is a solid reason to add a few extra minutes to your morning routine.
Technically, it is not illegal in Ohio to drive with snow on your car. But if that snow or ice breaks loose and strikes another vehicle, you could be charged with a minor misdemeanor under state laws regarding hazardous vehicles. The issue is not the snow itself, but what happens when it flies off.
Danger on the Road
Driving instructor Andy Hemrick, who works at Bick’s Driving School near Cherry Grove, notes that this rule often surprises drivers who consider snow merely an inconvenience. Instead, he emphasizes that accumulated snow can create dangerous situations for everyone on the road.
Snow on the hood can lift up and block the driver’s own view, while snow on the roof can slide off at speed and blind or damage the car behind.
He stresses that visibility becomes especially critical during winter storms, when roads are already slippery and reaction time is drastically reduced. We’ve already seen how bad the consequences can be this year after a 55-vehicle chain-reaction crash in Wisconsin.
In Hemrick’s opinion, drivers should view snow removal as part of basic preparation before leaving home, as Ohio’s safety laws don’t leave much room for maneuvering.
Legal Requirements
“Ohio law requires that windows be clear, tail lights, headlights, license plate illumination light,” he explained to WCPO Cincinnati. A violation can result in a fine of up to $170, plus the added frustration of knowing the entire situation could have been avoided with a few extra minutes of effort.
For many commuters, this means waking up earlier and allocating significantly more time for winter trips. Hemrick recommends doubling or even tripling the usual morning routine, giving drivers enough time to remove snow from the roof, hood, windows, lights, and trunk.
He also suggests lifting the windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing to the glass—a simple trick that can save both time and equipment. A little patience, just like clearing snow before a trip, can go a long way and save money.
Photos by Stephen Rivers / Carscoops (1), Ford (2), Mercedes (3)
This situation in Ohio serves as a reminder that winter road safety depends not only on driving skill or tire quality, but also on seemingly minor preparatory actions. Regular fines can serve as an effective incentive for forming new habits. Similar rules aimed at preventing hazards caused by snow on vehicles are gradually appearing in other regions with harsh winters, as the consequences can be serious—from damaged lights to large-scale accidents due to sudden loss of visibility.
