It's that time of year again and anyone who has walked out to their car in the past few mornings has cursed for not coming out earlier to let the windshield defrost. It is tempting to risk it once a head sized area has cleared from the windshield and by looking through the steering wheel you can pretty much see where you're going. We've all been there or at least thought about it. Here's the problem with that logic. If one of our officers observes you driving down the road with a windshield covered in ice or snow like the vehicle pictured here who was cited just last week, you could receive a $40 moving violation for impeded operation under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 section 13. Depending on the circumstances, you could also be charged criminally and have to go to court for operating to endanger under MGL Chapter 90 section 24. And even if neither of these happen, you're putting your life, and the rest of the motoring public's life at risk.
Please take a few extra moments in the morning to make sure your windshield is clear to avoid a ticket or a tragedy.