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SB 698

Vehicle Laws - Dangerous Accumulations of Snow and Ice - Removal From Exposed Vehicle Surfaces

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

Maryland law now requires drivers to remove snow and ice buildup from vehicles before driving to prevent debris hazards and collisions on public roads.

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Bill Summary · SB 698

Legislative bill overview

SB 698 requires Maryland drivers to remove dangerous accumulations of snow and ice from exposed vehicle surfaces before operating their vehicles on public roads. The bill establishes safety standards for what constitutes a hazardous accumulation and provides enforcement mechanisms through traffic violations and penalties.

Why is this important

Accumulated snow and ice on vehicles poses genuine safety risks to other motorists—debris can fly off during travel, reducing visibility, causing collisions, and potentially causing injuries. This bill addresses a public safety concern that has resulted in accidents and fatalities in other states, while establishing clear driver responsibilities during winter weather conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Determining what constitutes "dangerous accumulation" may be subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement and potential disputes about violation citations
  • Compliance burden: Drivers in areas with heavy snowfall may face frequent violations despite good-faith cleanup efforts, particularly for commercial drivers and those without covered parking
  • Economic impact: Additional compliance costs and potential fines could disproportionately affect lower-income drivers and rural residents with limited shelter access for vehicles

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

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