§ 21–1135
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1135 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 11. Miscellaneous Rules
§ 21–1135LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “exposed vehicle surface” includes for a vehicle:
(1)
The hood;
(2)
The trunk;
(3)
The windshield;
(4)
Each window;
(5)
The roof;
(6)
The cab of a commercial or noncommercial truck; and
(7)
The top of:
(i)
A trailer or semitrailer being towed by a motor vehicle; and
(ii)
A commercial trailer or semitrailer.
(b)
(1)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person may not operate or tow a vehicle without making reasonable efforts to remove from exposed vehicle surfaces, before operation or towing, accumulated snow and ice that poses a threat to persons or property.
(ii)
The prohibition under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply if compliance with the prohibition would:
(1)
Cause the operator of the vehicle to violate any law or regulation regarding workplace safety; or
(2)
Threaten the health or safety of the operator of the vehicle.
(2)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a police officer may enforce paragraph (1) of this subsection only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code.
(3)
(i)
A person who is convicted of a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection while operating or towing a noncommercial vehicle is subject to:
(1)
For a first offense, a fine of $25;
(2)
For a second offense, a fine of $50;
(3)
For a third offense, a fine of $100; and
(4)
For a fourth or subsequent offense, a fine of $200.
(ii)
A person who is convicted of a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection while operating or towing a commercial vehicle is subject to:
(1)
For a first offense, a fine of $75;
(2)
For a second offense, a fine of $150;
(3)
For a third offense, a fine of $300;
(4)
For a fourth offense, a fine of $600; and
(5)
For a fifth or subsequent offense, a fine of $1,000.
(iii)
(1)
Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, each day that a violation occurs or continues is a separate violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(2)
A person may not be found to have violated paragraph (1) of this subsection more than once in any 24–hour period.
(c)
(1)
A person may not commit a violation of subsection (b)(1) of this section that contributes to an accident that results in property damage or the death of or, as defined in § 20–102 of this article, serious bodily injury to another person.
(2)
A person who is convicted of a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection is subject to:
(i)
For a violation that occurred while operating or towing a noncommercial vehicle, a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $1,000; or
(ii)
For a violation that occurred while operating or towing a commercial vehicle, a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,500.