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An Act To Require Snow and Ice To Be Removed from Vehicles before Operation
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  29-A MRSA §2396, sub-§5  is enacted to read:
 
5.  Solid precipitation.     A person may not operate a motor vehicle at a speed of 40 miles per hour or more on a public way with a load of solid precipitation on the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this subsection, "solid precipitation" includes, but is not limited to, snow, ice, hail and sleet.
 
When a reasonable effort has been made to completely remove a load of solid precipitation from a motor vehicle, minor amounts blown from the motor vehicle while in transit do not evidence a violation of this subsection.
 
A violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction subject to a fine of not less than $250 for the first offense and not less than $500 for a 2nd or subsequent offense.
 
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle at 40 miles per hour or more on a public way without clearing the motor vehicle of solid precipitation. Operating a motor vehicle under such circumstances is a traffic infraction subject to a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for a 2nd or subsequent offense.