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An Act To Require That Certain Motor Vehicles Be Clear of Snow and Ice When Operated on Public Ways
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 the load of solid precipitation on a motor vehicle consists of minor amounts, and a reasonable effort has been made to completely remove the load, 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.
 
This subsection does not apply to commercial trucks.
 
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits the operation of 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. Failure to clear a motor vehicle is a traffic infraction subject to a $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for a 2nd or subsequent offense. It exempts commercial trucks from the provision.