Truckers in Connecticut now required to clear snow, ice

With the northeast expected to receive up to a foot of snow today and tomorrow, the state of Connecticut has a new law on its books of which truckers must be aware. Connecticut’s law went into effect on Jan. 1, so today’s storm will be the first time police will be allowed to ticket motorists.

Like other states, Connecticut is now requiring motorists to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the roads. The law includes tractor-trailers. The penalty is a $75 fine, but a commercial driver faces fines of $500 to $1,250 if snow of ice flies off the truck and causes injuries or property damage.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey have similar laws.

“This is a law meant to protect citizens and motorists from these elements that can be very dangerous when coming off traveling trucks on our highways and streets,” Melody Currey, the state’s Motor Vehicles commissioner, told the Hartford Courant.