The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has warned drivers that they face police fines for not clearing snow off their cars.
“The biggest thing we are seeing, and police are seeing it too, is that people are not clearing snow from the outside of their vehicles properly,” said Joanne Bergman, ICBC’s road safety co-ordinator.
“If you aren’t clearing your (vehicle of snow) you can be fined.”
According to the rules, the top of the vehicles, windows, lights, and license plates must all be cleaned.
Police in Burnaby announced earlier this week that over 50 drivers were pulled over for not clearing the snow off their vehicles.
It is a violation of the province’s Motor Vehicle Act to drive with an “obstructed view.” The penalty is a $109 fine and three points.
BC RCMP Sgt. Chris Manseau said those who don’t clear snow off their vehicles create unnecessary risk for themselves and those around them.
“Not only with the risk of vision being obstructed if not cleared properly, but people also don’t release the extra weight that is added to the vehicle. If driving conditions are bad, the extra weight could lead to crashes,” Manseau said.
“Not only can you obstruct your own view with the snow, but when traveling at a high rate of speed, snow can fly off the vehicle onto others.”
