Is it illegal in Ohio to drive with ice on your windshield? What the law says
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Let’s say you’re already late for work and it’s taking way too long to de-ice your car. So, you make sure you can see a tiny bit of the road through your windshield and just go for it. Well, is that OK to do?
Let’s see if it’s legal or not to drive your car with ice still on your windshield:
Is it OK to drive with ice on your car’s windshield in Ohio?
According to Ohio law, no. There are a couple of things that make this action illegal.
First, the law specifically says: “The windshield of every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture.” So, if de-icing is an issue, you should get your vehicle properly equipped for the weather first.
Second, there are clear laws on the obstruction of view when driving. The law says that no driver should operate their vehicle when there is something in the way that “obstructs the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.” And last but not least, there are laws about operating an unsafe vehicle.
Ohio law (Section 4513.02) says: “No person shall drive or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person.” The law further explains that “unsafe condition” includes the functionality of vehicle equipment such as glass, windshield and windshield wipers.
Consequences for violating these laws will result in a minor misdemeanor.
More reasons why its illegal: Well, it can cause you to get into a wreck, for one. If you can’t see through your windshield, you probably can’t see other things on the road.
It also puts others in danger, which is implied in Ohio law (Section 4513.02).
According to a blog on Nasdaq, “If the snow or ice is thick or heavy enough, it can even cause property damage or injury to others. In instances where ice build-up shoots off at high speeds, it’s called an ‘ice missile.’”
In fact, there were reports of an ‘ice missile’ that flew from a truck and smashed through another driver’s windshield, killing a Pennsylvania woman.
Tips for de-icing your car
Here are some tips from AAA to make de-icing your car a little easier:
- Park in a garage if possible or even under a covered carport to prevent icy buildups.
- To aid in ice prevention and ease removal, some do-it-yourselfers soak cloth windshield covers in a solution of one tablespoon salt to one quart water. The damp cover can be stored in a plastic bag or container between uses.
- Commercial spray-on ice and frost “shield” solutions are also available to pre-treat the windshield, although these can be pricey at up to $15 a quart. In addition, some ice prevention products contain ethylene glycol, which is poisonous to pets if swallowed.
- When de-icing by hand, use a rubber squeegee or a soft bristle brush to remove it from the glass. Never use metal scrapers, which can scratch the glass and damage wiper blades.
- Another no-no is hot water, which can crack glass by causing thermal shock and result in an expensive auto glass repair.
Do you have any other questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
