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snow removal laws

Snow Removal Laws: Ensuring Compliance for Fleet Management Companies

After a long off-season, it’s vital for snow removal vehicle operators to refresh their knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. Staying informed about snow removal laws is crucial for legal compliance and safety, especially as winter approaches. For Michigan drivers, understanding and following these regulations can mean the difference between a safe journey and a potential hazard. In this blog, we will explore the essential snow removal laws and how Safety Track’s fleet management solutions, including dash cams, can help ensure compliance.

Clear Your Windows for a Safe View

Michigan snow removal laws, specifically MCL 257.709 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, require drivers to remove snow and ice from their windshields and other windows. It is illegal to operate a vehicle when an object obstructs the driver’s vision. Before hitting the road, all windows must be thoroughly cleared to avoid any impairments.

Drivers must also maintain rear-window visibility unless the vehicle has side mirrors that provide a clear view behind it. Safety Track’s dash cams help fleet managers ensure compliance by recording each journey. By monitoring dash cam footage, fleet operators can verify that drivers maintain proper visibility. This helps prevent accidents and fines.

Tail Lights, Headlamps, and Visibility

Michigan law also requires tail lights, headlamps, and other signal lamps to remain unobstructed. According to MCL 257.699, headlamps must emit white light and be bright enough to reveal persons or vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet. Snow or ice covering these lights reduces their brightness, making it illegal to operate the vehicle.

Fleet managers need to ensure all lights are visible. Safety Track’s fleet tracking devices, such as the ST-2600, help with this. The devices can be used to track routine vehicle checks. This ensures snow and ice are removed before the vehicle heads out.

Preventing Snow from Falling Off Vehicles

Snow and ice falling from vehicles is a common cause of roadway hazards in winter. Under MCL 257.677a(2)-(4), it is illegal for snow or ice to fall off a vehicle in a way that obstructs another driver’s vision. Large snow sheets from semi-trucks can be especially dangerous and may lead to accidents.

Fleet managers can use Safety Track’s dash cams to monitor compliance. These devices capture video evidence that drivers properly clear their vehicles of snow and ice. This helps fleets stay compliant with snow removal laws and promotes safe driving practices.

The Use of Amber Lights for Safety

Another regulation for snow removal operators involves using flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights. Public Act 342 of 2018 allows snow removal vehicles to activate these lights when traveling between locations. This is intended to increase the visibility of snow removal vehicles, especially when moving from site to site. Safety Track’s fleet management technology can verify compliance by using dash cam footage to ensure the lights are used effectively.

Blade Width Regulations

Snowplows used for removal must comply with specific blade width regulations. Public Act 342 of 2018 permits trucks with blades wider than 96 inches—but no more than 132 inches—to operate without a special permit. This applies only between October 1 and May 1. Operators must minimize the over-width condition of the plow blade when not actively engaged in snow removal.

Safety Track’s fleet management solutions help ensure compliance. Real-time tracking and customizable alerts allow fleet operators to verify that vehicles meet these requirements. GPS tracking and dash cams help confirm that snowplow blades are positioned properly. This reduces risks and ensures compliance with state regulations.

Ensuring Compliance with Safety Track Solutions

Safety Track’s fleet management solutions, including dash cams and vehicle tracking devices, help maintain compliance with snow removal laws. Dash cams provide visual proof that drivers clear snow and ice before operating a vehicle. GPS tracking devices help ensure compliance with amber light usage and blade width restrictions.

By combining video evidence with real-time data, fleet operators can build a culture of safety. This minimizes the risk of accidents and penalties. It also enhances the efficiency of fleet operations, helping ensure that roads are cleared safely.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with snow removal laws is not just about avoiding fines. It is also about ensuring the safety of both drivers and other road users. Clearing snow and ice from vehicles, maintaining proper visibility, and following safety regulations for plow blades and amber lights help create safer roads.

Safety Track’s fleet management solutions make it easier to ensure these regulations are followed. Dash cams provide visual evidence, while GPS tracking devices verify maintenance tasks. These technologies help fleet managers operate with safety and compliance as their top priorities.