WAKEFIELD — With winter set in on the Gogebic Range, local law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to fully clean off their windshields and windows before hitting the road.
Not only is cleaning windshields safer, according to Michigan State Police Community Service Trooper Jerry Mazurek, but it’s also required by law.
Mazurek said in a news release Michigan law requires drivers have unobstructed windows while driving.
“A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with … an object that obstructs the vision of the driver of the vehicle, except as authorized by law,” the relevant law reads.
Mazurek said this includes snow, ice and frost.
Drivers who don’t clear snow and ice from their vehicles can be cited with a civil infraction, Mazurek said, which could result in a $125 fine and two points on a driver’s driving record.
“To me, the best route is to simply clear all the windows of ice and snow before leaving the driveway to avoid a ticket or possible an accident,” Mazurek said. “So clear those windows, buckle up and drive to arrive.”
—Richard Jenkins