Virginia House Bill HB1183

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22

Caption

Motor vehicles; operating with accumulated snow or ice, penalty.

Impact

The passage of HB1183 is expected to have significant implications for driving behavior during snow and ice conditions. By imposing a fine of $100 for violations, the bill seeks to encourage drivers to ensure their vehicles are cleared of snow and ice before operating them on highways. This could lead to improved safety for all road users and may contribute to reducing accidents caused by dislodged snow or ice from vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 1183 introduces a new regulation to the operation of motor vehicles in Virginia, specifically addressing the issue of accumulated snow or ice on vehicles. The bill makes it unlawful for any person to drive a moving motor vehicle with snow or ice on its surfaces if such materials could potentially detach and interfere with the operation of other vehicles or pose a threat to people and property. This legislative measure is aimed at enhancing road safety during winter weather conditions.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on safety, it does include specific exemptions, which might be points of contention during public discussions. For instance, it does not penalize drivers operating vehicles that have just accumulated snow due to adverse weather conditions, emergency vehicles, or those engaged in snow removal operations. These exceptions aim to balance safety regulations with practical considerations during harsh weather but may also spark debates regarding enforcement and compliance.