Why Clearing Snow Off Your Car Is Mandatory in Ontario — And Why It Matters

February 09, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Winter in Ontario brings snow, ice and freezing temperatures, and with it, serious risks for drivers. One often overlooked safety requirement is the obligation to clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. This isn’t just a good practice -  it’s a legal and safety requirement aimed at preventing collisions, injuries and fines on our winter roads.

The Legal Framework: Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act

Under Ontario’s traffic laws, drivers are required to ensure their vehicle is safe to operate on public roads. Although a specific standalone “snow removal” statute hasn’t been enacted, several provisions of the Highway Traffic Act and associated regulations effectively make it unlawful to drive with snow or ice that endangers other road users. Drivers can be ticketed for obstructed views or for leaving dangerous amounts of snow and ice on their vehicles that could fall off and cause a hazard. Penalties for these provincial offences can range from $50 to $500 for private vehicles, and $100 to $1,000 for commercial vehicles when snow or ice poses a risk to other motorists. 

Even if a motorist doesn’t receive a ticket, failure to properly clear snow and ice (especially if that debris contributes to a crash) can be considered evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. In a collision involving flying snow or obstructed visibility, an injured party’s legal team may argue that incomplete snow removal contributed to the risk that caused the crash.

Safety Risks: Visibility and Flying Debris

Snow and ice left on your vehicle create multiple safety hazards:

1. Reduced Visibility:
Snow on windows, mirrors and cameras blocks your view of the roadway. If you cannot clearly see ahead, behind and to the sides of your vehicle, your ability to make safe decisions — like stopping or changing lanes — is compromised. (Deutschmann de Koning Law)

2. Hidden Lights and Signals:
When headlights, brake lights or turn signals are covered in snow or ice, other drivers may be unable to anticipate your actions. This increases the risk of rear‑end or intersection collisions, especially in poor weather and low‑light conditions.

3. Snow or Ice as Projectiles:
Snow or ice blown off your roof or hood can become airborne at highway speeds and act like dangerous projectiles, striking vehicles behind you. These flying chunks can crack windshields or cause drivers to swerve unexpectedly, triggering chain‑reaction crashes. (Deutschmann de Koning Law)

Take a moment each morning — even if you’re in a rush — to clear the entire vehicle: roof, hood, trunk, windshield, rear window, side mirrors and lights. Using a proper snow brush and ice scraper is essential; makeshift tools or hot water can damage glass and trim under freezing temperatures.

Fines and Enforcement

Ontario police and municipal enforcement officers regularly issue tickets in winter for obstructed windows or dangerous snow and ice accumulations. These fines serve as both a punishment and a deterrent — encouraging drivers to take a few extra minutes clearing their vehicles before driving. (isure)

Even beyond fines, the presence of snow on your vehicle at the time of an accident may be cited as a factor that contributed to the collision. Insurance companies may consider this when determining fault, and adverse findings can hurt your claim.

Protect Yourself and Others

Clearing snow off your car isn’t just about avoiding tickets — it’s about keeping Ontario roads safer for everyone. Taking a few extra minutes before your trip can:

• Improve visibility for you and other drivers.

• Prevent snow or ice from becoming a dangerous projectile.

• Reduce your risk of a winter collision or costly traffic penalty.

If you’re involved in a winter weather crash and suffer serious injuries, having experienced legal guidance matters. Contact Deutschmann de Koning Law to understand your rights and options — we’re here to help you navigate the aftermath of winter collisions and protect your recovery

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.