Driving snow-covered cars in PA could bring $50 fine
HARRISBURG, Pa. - People traveling through Pennsylvania may need reminding that a bill signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf this summer applies to driving during the winter.
A law took effect this fall requiring drivers to remove ice or snow from their vehicles within 24 hours following heavy snow or ice storms.
Named “Christine’s Law,” and introduced by State Senator Lisa Boscola, the law is designed to prevent tragedies like the one that happened to Christine Lambert of Palmer Township on Christmas Day 2005.
She died when a piece of ice dislodged from a passing box truck and crashed through her windshield.
She said Act 90 will strengthen the existing law by deterring drivers and preventing tragedies before they happen.
The previous law only penalized a driver when serious bodily harm occurs from a snow or ice projectile.
The new law gives police officers discretion to pull over a vehicle where the buildup of ice or snow poses a potential hazard.
Police are now allowed to stop vehicles covered in ice or snow. The driver could be fined $50.
If snow or ice falling from a moving vehicle strikes another vehicle causing death or serious injury, the driver of the vehicle from which the snow falls could be fined between $200 to $1500.
