The first snowfall of 2017 ended up costing a driver in Burlington County more than he or she expected after receiving a ticket the day after a cop saw the car driving with snow still on it.


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It has been more than six years since New Jersey passed a law requiring ice and snow be removed from cars in order to maintain the safety of other drivers. Some still have not gotten the message.

The driver was seen by an officer in Medford who, according to a report out of Philadelphia, was responding to another emergency when he saw the motorist breaking the law. The officer recorded the license plate of the vehicle and delivered a ticket to the driver at home the next day.

Lt. Arthur Waterman said many traffic violations have a 30 day statute of limitations, so while events like this are uncommon, they are not unheard of.

Authorities did not release the driver's name.

The minimum fine for the violation is $25 to $75 but can climb even higher if snow or ice comes off  a car and causes damage to property or other people. Those fines range from $200 to $1000.

Waterman said there is a bigger message for motorists, especially with much more snow expected to come our way over the next few months.

"The biggest thing to get from this is the importance of being prepared before you're going to travel on the roadways in a winter situation," he said. "I wouldn't recommend driving in the snow if you can help it, but if you have to make sure your car is clear of snow and debris."

In addition to ensuring vehicles are clear of snow and debris while driving in winter conditions, Waterman said it is also important for motorists to ensure they have the proper equipment in place in the event of a breakdown on the roads. The state Division of Highway Traffic Safety recommends that include an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, blanket, safety flares, and non-perishable food among other items in case of a long wait for help.

New Jersey Fast Traffic's Bob Williams recently reminded New Jersey 101.5 readers about the snow clearing law. 

"From a traffic perspective, when you forget to clean the snow off your car and it results in an accident, you're not only affecting yourself and the vehicles involved in the crash, you're having a negative impact on thousands of motorists whose commute will be delayed as a result."

Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com

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