Malloy News Brief – New Maryland Bill
Even as we pass from January into February, snow remains the only thing on everyone’s mind. The DMV region remains locked under a layer of “snowcrete,” formed by sleet and rain freezing over the already-prodigious snow dropped on our area by Winter Storm Fern. The result is hard-frozen banks of snow and ice virtually everywhere we turn. Some predict a proper thaw will not come until March, and more snow storms remain in the area. With fresh snow predicted, it may be worth your time to remind yourself of your legal responsibilities as far as snow removal is concerned. A new Maryland law may be expanding those responsibilities soon. Today’s Malloy News Brief will examine the new Maryland bill which would make it illegal to drive with snow on your car.
Malloy News Brief – New Maryland Snow Bill 2026
Proposed by Delegate Edith Patterson of District 28, in Charles County, House Bill 474 proposes a fine between $25 and $200 in the event of an accident caused by snow and ice piled on top of a car.
Maryland police already have the authority to pull over cars loaded with excessive snow under existing “unsafe load” or “obstructed view” laws. However, should Bill 474 become law, it would create a more standardized enforcement framework for driving with snow on cars. It would also mean Maryland would join eleven other states in the union that have similar laws on the books. These include:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Why Are These Laws Necessary?
For those who prefer a more hands-off, laissez-faire approach to government, Bill 474 may seem silly. We here at Malloy Law Offices are civil law professionals and don’t take stands on new laws in our communities either way. We merely seek to inform the public. However, as personal injury professionals, we’re intimately familiar with the bizarre circumstances which can end in a life-changing or even fatal car accident. In circumstances like these, where snow quickly hardens into solid blocks of ice, it’s easy to understand how snow on top of a car can lead to a serious injury. Other states have enacted laws like these in response to real-life tragedy.
In New Hampshire, “Jessica’s Law” has been on the books since 2001. This law requires drivers to clear their vehicles of snow before driving and was enacted after 20 year old Jessica Smith lost her life in such an accident.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence in navigating and mitigating winter weather, Malloy Law can help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys will hear your case free of charge and craft a unique strategy to pursue compensation on your behalf. Don’t wait to claim what you’re entitled to under the law! Contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.