Not clearing the snow off your car could cost you

We’ve all seen them. The drivers whose windshields are covered in ice and snow, except for that tiny square they’ve brushed off to peer through while making their commute.

Saskatoon Police Service Director of Public Affairs, Alyson Edwards, said drivers have a responsibility to not be a safety hazard to themselves and other drivers.

“Under the Traffic Safety Act, they’re required to clear their vehicle completely of snow, both the rear and the windshield, and that would also include their license plate.”

Edwards said if any of those are obstructed and the driver is not able to see, or the license is not able to be seen by others, they can be issued a ticket.

“If the vehicle is not properly cleared of snow and the windows are obstructed, and that would include the windshield, the rear window and the side windows, it’s a $125 fine,” said Edwards. “If they left their license plate obstructed by snow, that could be a $150 fine.”

Edwards also said police encourage drivers to slow down and drive according to the road conditions. There were 11 collisions in Saskatoon following the snowfall Friday morning.