NYS Police Warn About Risks Of Not Clearing Vehicle Snow

There's no denying that this winter season has been experiencing more snowfall than in recent years.

We're certainly getting quite a workout shoveling all that snow, and there's still quite a bit left for winter. Maybe we'll get lucky and be spared any more major snowstorms, but I would not bet on that.

Another task that many of us dislike, including me, is cleaning off our vehicles of snow and ice before heading out on the roadways, but it's a necessary task. I own a van, and it's a bit of a challenge, but I have a snow rake for vehicles, similar to a roof rake, and it works well, reaching those hard-to-get-to areas of the roof of my van.

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Unfortunately, not everyone cleans the snow and ice from their vehicles before heading out on the road. During each snowstorm this season, I have been behind vehicles with a lot of snow blowing off the roof, impairing my sight of the road.

This can lead to unfortunate situations. Case in point from the New York State Police just last week.

On January 30, 2026, a New York State Trooper responded to a report of a vehicle with a shattered windshield due to ice falling off a tractor-trailer while on Interstate 81.

According to the report, it was determined that a tractor-trailer and a Chevrolet pick-up truck were both traveling north on Interstate 81 in the town of Homer when a slab of ice flew off the tractor-trailer and fell onto the pick-up behind it.

The pick-up truck’s driver's side front window and windshield were shattered. Troopers noted that the driver of the tractor-trailer did not stop.

The pick-up truck driver reportedly suffered hand and facial injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Troopers are reminding New Yorkers to brush off snow and ice from their vehicles before heading out on the road.

Even though there is no law in the State of New York stating that you must clear snow and ice off your car, you can still be held liable and get a ticket. An article from one of our Townsquare Media radio stations, WGNA in Albany, notes that if snow or ice is blocking your windshield or windows, you could be pulled over by law enforcement and be ticketed.

Any damage to another vehicle or injury to the driver and/or passenger(s) could also lead to fines, a lawsuit, an insurance rate increase, etc. Play it safe for you and those around you...take the time to clear off your vehicle before heading out.

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