Is it legal to drive with ice on your car’s windshield? Georgia law has no chill
Icy mornings have arrived and so has the extra 10 minutes it takes to fully de-ice your vehicle’s windshield.
I mean, can’t you just skip it? You can still see out of the driver’s side, so that’s all that matters, right? Well, let’s brush up on the law.
Is it legal to drive with ice on your car’s windshield in Georgia?
According to Georgia 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.”
Consequences for driving before fully de-icing your windshield include a traffic ticket and fines of up to $160.
But why is it 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.
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 and windshield in the winter
According to AAA, here are some tips 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.
Have more questions or tips for de-icing? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Is it legal to drive with ice on your car’s windshield? Georgia law has no chill."
