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Snow or Ice on Vehicle
Contrary to Section 181.1 of the Highway Traffic Act
Last Updated: July 03 2026
Question: Is there a fine in Ontario for failing to brush snow or remove ice from your vehicle before driving?
Answer:
Yes. In Ontario, you can be fined for driving when snow or ice has accumulated on your vehicle in a way that poses a danger to other vehicles if it falls or slides off; the Highway Traffic Act sets fines of not less than $50 and not more than $500 for passenger vehicles, and not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 when the offence involves a commercial motor vehicle (Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 181.1). If you received a ticket, Lippa Legal Services can help you understand the charge and your options in Ontario, including practical next steps to respond to the offence. For help from a paralegal, call (416) 241-4529.
How Much Can a Person Be Fined For Failing to Remove Snow From a Vehicle?
Vehicles Must Be Cleared of Ice and Snow So As to Avoid Being Dangerous. The Fine For Failing to Do So Ranges Between $50 and $500 For Passenger Vehicles and Between $100 and $1,000 For Commercial Vehicles.
Understanding the Requirements of Clearing Snow and Ice From Vehicles and Applicable Fines For the Failure to Do So
The law requires the removal of snow and ice from a vehicle prior to operating the vehicle upon public roadways. The law is intended to help ensure safety by minimizing the risk that snow or ice may fall from, or slide off, a vehicle resulting in damage to other vehicles or to other objects as well as to prevent possible injury to persons.
The Law
In 2014, the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, was amended via the Highway Traffic Amendment Act so to section 181.1 for the purpose of imposing a legal obligation to adequately remove snow and ice from a vehicle prior to driving. Specifically, the law states:
Penalty for driving with dangerous accumulation of snow or ice
181.1 (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway if snow or ice has accumulated on the motor vehicle, or on a vehicle or trailer drawn by the motor vehicle, in a manner that would pose a danger to other motor vehicles on the highway if the snow or ice were to fall or slide off.
Penalty
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500.
Penalty, commercial motor vehicles
(3) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) while driving a commercial motor vehicle is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000.
Potential Penalties
As shown above, the penalties for driving a vehicle without adequately removing snow and ice is between $50 and $500 for matters involving a private vehicle or between $100 to $1,000 for matters involving a commercial vehicle. Additionally, upon conviction a driver may become subjected to increased insurance premiums, among other concerns.
Summary Comment
Drivers must remove snow and ice from vehicles or face fines, among other adversities, upon failure to remove snow and ice from vehicles so to remedy potential danger.
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