12/01/2025
Snow and ice removal regulations in the US look a little different.
🔹 FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
• No federal law requires drivers to remove snow/ice from trucks or trailers.
• However, under 49 CFR § 392.9, drivers must ensure loads are secure, which can apply to ice or snow as a potential hazard.
🔹 State-Specific Laws
Some U.S. states do have laws about snow and ice removal:
New Jersey
o One of the strictest: Law requires drivers to remove snow and ice from all parts of the vehicle, including the roof.
o Fines up to: $500–$1,000 for passenger vehicles, $500–$1,500 for commercial trucks.
Pennsylvania
o New law (2022): Snow or ice must be removed from vehicles within 24 hours after a storm.
o Fines up to $1,500 if snow or ice causes death or serious injury.
o Enforcement: More focused on post-incident liability.
Connecticut
o Similar to NJ: Requires snow/ice removal from the top of trucks.
o Fines can go up to $1,250 for commercial vehicles.
Other states (like Massachusetts, New York, and Wisconsin)
o No explicit law, but drivers can still be charged if ice or snow causes an accident — often under negligence or unsafe operation clauses.
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⚖️ Legal & Insurance Liability
Even where there’s no explicit law, if snow or ice flies off your truck and:
• Cracks a windshield
• Causes a crash
• Injures a pedestrian..you or your company can face:
• Civil lawsuits
• Negligence charges
• Insurance liability claims
• Driver discipline/firing (in fleet cases)
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