The State of New Jersey likes staying ahead of the curve. But motorists are probably not ready for this curve ball! Gov. Corzine and the Legislature are hailing a new bill requiring drivers to make all reasonable efforts to remove snow or ice from their vehicle, including the roof, hood, trunk and windshield.
Clearly automobiles with frozen ice and snow pose safety risks, especially on the highway. But this regulation, apparently the first of its kind in the nation, raises more questions than it answers. First, what is the definition of "all reasonable efforts?" Second, is a police officer to be trusted with fair decision making of this sort at the side of the road? Third, at what point will the police have the authority to issue a citation: even before or only after observing ice fragments fall from a car? Fourth, will the execution of this law provide a pretext to stop motorists? Finally, in the absence of physical evidence, how will courts fairly weigh an officer's claims against a driver's denials? This regulation does not provide an adequate solution.
Safer roads are a great idea but this law compromises too much, leaving New Jersey residents with little reason to rejoice. Not so obvious are drivers coming from other states who traverse New Jersey's all too famous roadways. They are the more likely targets.
Read more about New Jersey's latest snow job.
