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MarylandHB 04742026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Vehicle Laws - Dangerous Accumulations of Snow and Ice - Removal From Exposed Vehicle Surfaces (Clear Before You Drive Act)

Sponsored By: Edith J. Patterson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Vehicle Laws - Rules of the RoadAccidentsCivil OffensesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathInjuryLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.Motor Vehicle OperationOccupational SafetyPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyProperty DamageRepeat OffendersSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyTowingWeather

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Fines for snow and ice on vehicles

Starting October 1, 2026, fines apply if you drive or tow without clearing dangerous snow or ice. For noncommercial vehicles: $25 first offense, $50 second, $100 third, $200 fourth or later. For commercial vehicles: $75 first, $150 second, $300 third, $600 fourth, $1,000 fifth or later. If this violation helps cause a crash with property damage, death, or serious injury, fines rise to $200-$1,000 (noncommercial) or $500-$1,500 (commercial). The court sets the exact fine on conviction.

Clear snow and ice before driving

Beginning October 1, 2026, you must make reasonable efforts to clear snow and ice that can threaten people or property. Clear it from exposed surfaces like the hood, roof, windshield, each window, truck cabs, and the tops of trailers before driving or towing. Police enforce this only as a secondary action after a stop for another suspected violation. The rule does not apply if clearing would violate workplace safety law or endanger the operator. You cannot be cited more than once in any 24-hour period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Andrea Fletcher Harrison

    Democratic • House

  • Marc Korman

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Stein

    Democratic • House

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Veronica Turner

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 668

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/6/2026Senate

  7. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (127-0)

    3/4/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {683026/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/2/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  13. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/23/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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