Does Illinois law require drivers to scrape ice and snow off car before hitting the road?
If you have to hit the road in southwestern Illinois this week after this weekend’s winter storm, you may have to uncover a snowy car. But does state law require you to scrape all the ice off your windshield?
Belleville residents can expect cold temperatures continuing this week, with forecast temperatures as low as 6 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday.
Belleville got more than 7 inches of snow over the weekend, according to the NWS, and the city may get more in the coming days. Thursday has forecast temperatures ranging from 26 to 33 degrees, with a 60% chance of precipitation and new snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Friday may bring more snow too, with a 60% chance of precipitation and 1 to 2 inches of additional snow expected.
Here’s what to know about Illinois state law when scraping your car.
Does Illinois law require you to scrape your windshield?
Illinois law does not specifically state drivers must scrape snow and ice off their vehicles prior to driving, Master Sergeant Calvin Dye Jr. wrote in a Dec. 9 email to the News-Democrat.
However, there is a state statute that says “windshields must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.”
If a law enforcement officer sees a vehicle with an obstructed windshield due to ice or snow, they could conduct a traffic stop, Dye continued. If the officer issues a citation for the violation, the driver may be required to pay a $164 fine.
Winter driving safety tips
If you can’t avoid being on the road under wintry weather conditions, here are some safety tips from the NWS:
Use your headlights. Bright snow does not guarantee visibility.
Make sure you have plenty of gas.
Leave plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles. It takes much longer for your car to come to a complete stop on slick roads.
Drive slowly.
Avoid unnecessary trips.
Check road conditions before you leave.
You can check live road conditions from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation.
Auto club AAA also recommends people take steps to prepare their vehicles for winter, including:
Get your battery tested.
Check your antifreeze levels.
Add hydrophobic repellent to your windshield.
Check your tires, and change them if needed.
Check your headlights.
Have your brakes checked by a professional.
Keep an emergency kit in your car.
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This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 9:36 AM.
