The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland requires drivers to clear snow and ice from vehicles starting October 2026
Last action · May 26, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 667Sponsor: Cory McCray
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Does
Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers in Maryland must make reasonable efforts to clear accumulated snow and ice from exposed vehicle surfaces before operating or towing. Violators face escalating fines ranging from $25 to $1,000 for standard vehicles and up to $1,500 if the uncleared snow contributes to an accident resulting in injury or property damage.
Vehicle operators face new routine fines starting at $25 and up to $1,000 for repeated failures to clear snow from rooftops and hoods, with higher penalties if falling ice causes a crash.
- State legislatures frequently consider bills targeting uncleared snow and ice on vehicle roofs to prevent hazards caused by chunks flying off into traffic during winter weather. context
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Motor vehicle operators
Drivers must clear snow and ice from vehicle surfaces before travel or face escalating fines for repeated infractions.
Commercial truck drivers
Commercial operators are subject to higher tier fine structures ranging from $75 to $1,000 for failing to clear snow from large trailers and cabs.
Law enforcement officers
Police officers are restricted to secondary enforcement of the snow-removal rule unless an accident involving property damage or injury occurs.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts of a vehicle must be cleared of snow and ice?
Can a police officer pull me over solely for having snow on my car roof?
What are the penalties for a first-time violation?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Current status: Signed into law.
Procedural history
13 actions- May 26, 2026Governor of MarylandEnrolledApproved by the Governor - Chapter 667
- Apr 10, 2026SenateFloorReturned Passed
- Apr 9, 2026HouseFloorThird Reading Passed (133-0)
- Apr 3, 2026HouseFloorFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
- Apr 3, 2026HouseCommitteeFavorable Report by Environment and Transportation
- Mar 25, 2026HouseHearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
Show 7 earlier actions
- Mar 20, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred Environment and Transportation
- Mar 19, 2026SenateFloorThird Reading Passed (45-0)
- Mar 18, 2026SenateFloorSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
- Mar 18, 2026SenateFavorable with Amendments { 673222/1 Adopted
- Mar 16, 2026SenateCommitteeFavorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
- Feb 12, 2026SenateHearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
- Feb 6, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Judicial Proceedings
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Introduction of Mandated Vehicular Snow Removal
Maryland establishes explicit statutory penalties for failing to clear snow and ice from vehicle surfaces, distinguishing between commercial and noncommercial operators.
Connected Entities
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools