You Can Actually Get Fined For Having Snow On Your Car, License Plate And Windows In Ontario

This morning, a Toronto Traffic Enforcement Officer gave Ontario drivers a timely reminder that they can actually get fined for having too much snow on their car. The infraction, according to Officer Papadopoulos, is classified as an "insecure load". One Toronto driver was the recipient of that fine this morning for having what looked like a foot of snow on the roof of their car.

Officer Papadopoulos snapped a photo of the car with the caption, "This could have been bad. The vehicle was stopped for insecure load. Please clean off your vehicles before driving off. Please continue to drive under the maximum and watch your distance between vehicles."

READ ALSO: Here's What Counts As Distracted Driving Under Ontario's New Driving Laws

According to the Ontario Court of Justice, the fine for an insecure load is $130. For commercial motor vehicles, the fine is $310. The offence and amount vary by province. In Winnipeg, "unsecured load" fines are upwards of $237. 

The reason, according to the Globe and Mail, is that it has the potential to be a safety hazard. Once the car picks up speed, snow may start flying and put other drivers at risk. If another car gets into an accident because of it, not only could you be at fault, but your record and insurance will suffer.

This could have been bad. The vehicle was stopped for insecure load. Please clean off your vehicles before driving off. Please continue to drive under the maximum and watch your distance between vehicles. #pappystips #WinterStorm #charged #RoadSafety #WinterSafety pic.twitter.com/PoVpKfaeGl

January 30, 2019

Can't make this stuff up. Driver charged today in Brussels actually driving like this.Media- James.stanley@opp.ca pic.twitter.com/i6rPA3TxU1

January 19, 2016

Toronto Const. Clint Stibbe says that "if a large amount of snow/ice were to come off a vehicle and cause a collision, the investigator would have to determine the involvement of the vehicle in the collision. The driver with the snow or ice coming off of the car could be found at fault."

READ ALSO: These Are The Exemptions To The New Strict Distracted Driving Laws In Ontario According To The OPP

In Ontario, drivers can also get fined for having an obstructed view through their front, side and back windows. According to the Highway Traffic Act, the fine is $85, plus a $25 surcharge. You can also get an $85 fine plus a surcharge if there's snow or frost covering your license plate. 

Also, one important detail. Cleaning the snow from your car once you're already on the highway can also get you in trouble, as one Ontario woman proved to the world last week.