# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road

### Subtitle 11. Miscellaneous Rules

#### Section 21-1135

(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 Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Transp. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)