Are You Legally Required to Remove Snow from Your Vehicle in Indiana & Kentucky Before Driving?

What I Learned About Jessica's Law

Yesterday, I saw a post on Facebook about Jessica's Law. I had never heard of it, so I looked it up. Back in 1999, twenty-year-old Jessica Smith was killed on Route 202 in Peterborough, New Hampshire when a sheet of ice slid off a tractor-trailer, hit a box truck, and that truck ended up hitting her car. Because of that tragedy, New Hampshire passed a law in 2002 requiring drivers to clear snow and ice off their vehicles before getting on the road.

Why This Matters Close to Home

If you think this would never happen here, it already has. A few winters ago, my husband was driving between Reo and Owensboro when he witnessed the same thing. He saw ice go airborne from a large truck and smash into the windshield of the car behind it. He was first on the scene and found that the ice had gone through her windshield and sliced her face. He did his best to help until first responders arrived. The driver of the truck had no idea what had happened. I've often wondered if she's okay.

Checking My Own Car

This morning, I got into my car. I had not driven it since the snowfall on Monday night, and it was still covered. I dusted off the snow and thankfully it was light and powdery. It made me wonder if Indiana or Kentucky have laws similar to Jessica's Law.

Do Kentucky Drivers Legally Have to Clear Snow and Ice Off Their

Vehicle?

According to kentucky.com, there is no specific Kentucky law that directly addresses snow and ice removal. However, several laws state that drivers must have an unobstructed view of the road.

KRS 189.110
This statute covers unobstructed windshields and window tint rules. It states that a person cannot operate a vehicle with any sign, sun screening material, product, or covering on the windshield except for a few exceptions. It also requires vehicles to have windshield wipers that can clean rain and snow from the windshield while the driver is operating the vehicle.

KRS 189.130
This one requires vehicles to have mirrors that give the driver a clear rear view, reinforcing the need for full visibility in all directions.

KRS 189.290
This requires drivers to operate with regard for the safety and convenience of others. It also says a person cannot operate a vehicle in a reckless or negligent way that endangers people or property.

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Do Indiana Drivers Legally Have to Clear Snow and Ice Off Their Vehicle?

According to trucking.org, Indiana does not have a specific law about ice and snow on vehicles. However, Indiana does have laws about keeping windshields clear.

Indiana Code Title 9. 9-19-19-3
This statute says a person may not drive a motor vehicle with any sign, poster, sun screening material, or nontransparent material on the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows if it obstructs the driver’s clear view of the highway.

Indiana Code Title 9. Motor Vehicles Section 9-21-7-1
This code adds another layer of responsibility. It states that a person may not drive or move on a highway any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or any combination of these unless the equipment on the vehicle is in good working order and the vehicle is in a safe mechanical condition that does not endanger the driver, passengers, or anyone on the highway.

This can be applied to snow and ice because debris falling from a vehicle can endanger others and would violate the requirement to keep the vehicle in a safe condition.

What Happens if You Have Dangerous Snow and Ice on Your Vehicle?

There may not be a specific law, but if your vehicle causes damage to another vehicle, property, or a person, you are responsible for the monetary damages. Police can also pull you over to assist you in clearing snow and ice if it is creating a safety issue.

At the end of the day, the goal is safety. Ice can be incredibly dangerous when it flies off in large sheets. Let’s be good humans and take the extra minute to clean it off.