WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3812

An Act relative to roadway safety

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Vieira and 1 co-sponsor

Requires drivers to remove ice and snow from the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after snowfall ends to reduce road hazards, with penalties and safety exemptions.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3812

Summary: H 3812 – An Act relative to roadway safety

Overview

H 3812, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to improve roadway safety by mandating that drivers of motor vehicles and motor carrier vehicles remove accumulated ice and snow from their vehicles within a defined timeframe after precipitation ends. The bill adds a new provision (Section 36A) to Chapter 85 of the Massachusetts General Laws and would assign penalties under existing snow-and-ice removal enforcement provisions.

Purpose and main intent

  • Reduce hazards created by ice and snow being shed from vehicles onto roadways and other motorists.
  • Create a standardized expectation for post-storm ice/snow removal by drivers, including on the vehicle’s hood, trunk, and roof.
  • Provide enforcement mechanisms and carve-outs where removal would be impractical or unlawful.

Key provisions

  • New requirement: Section 36A added to Chapter 85, Section 36

    • Drivers of motor vehicles or motor carrier vehicles on public roadways must make reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow from the vehicle within 24 hours after the cessation of the falling snow or ice.
    • Covered areas for removal include the hood, trunk, and roof (explicitly mentioned).

  • Exceptions (Section 36A not apply if):

    • (i) The driver of a motor carrier vehicle, mass transit vehicle, bus, or school bus is en route to a facility to remove ice or snow at the time of a stop under a related provision.
    • (ii) Compliance would cause the driver to violate other applicable Federal or State laws or regulations regarding workplace safety or would threaten the health or safety of the driver.
    • (iii) A driver may be stopped by a police officer if the officer believes the accumulated ice or snow poses a threat to persons or property.

  • Penalties: Violations are subject to penalties as promulgated in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 85, Section 36 (i.e., the existing penalties framework for snow/ice-related violations).

Who is affected

  • Drivers of motor vehicles and motor carrier vehicles operating on public roadways in the Commonwealth.
  • The measure explicitly contemplates commercial operators (motor carriers), transit vehicles, buses, and school buses, with the noted exceptions.

Enforcement and timeline

  • Enforcement would align with the current framework for snow/ice removal penalties (Chapter 85, Sec. 36).
  • The 24-hour removal window starts after the cessation of falling snow/ice.
  • Police enforcement is possible if hazards are observed.
  • The bill would become law through the standard legislative process, having progressed from committee to floor action (current status shows readings and scheduling in 2025) and is currently in the phase of second reading with third reading pending.

Legislative history and related information

  • Related matter: Similar bill previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House No. 3474) and replaced by this filing (HD 1780).
  • Committee actions include referral to Transportation, favorable reporting, and scheduling of hearings (latest actions show committee reporting and subsequent readings).

Potential impact

  • Promotes public safety by reducing debris triggered by ice/snow shed from vehicles.
  • May impose operational considerations for drivers, particularly in commercial fleets and mass transit/school bus operations.
  • Clear carve-outs protect drivers where removal would conflict with safety or legal requirements.
  • Administrative/rulemaking implications exist for penalties under the existing statutory framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.