Can I get a ticket for not clearing frost or fog from my windshield? What SC law says
As cold temperatures sweep across the Palmetto State, South Carolinians may wake up this week to blankets of fog or frost on their vehicles.
Frost is an unfamiliar sight in the usually balmy Lowcountry, but it’s important to wait for windshields, windows and mirrors to clear. Drivers who don’t do this might get a ticket from South Carolina law enforcement.
Here’s what state law says about frosted or foggy windows and best practices to clean them as the winter months creep in.
Can I get a ticket for not defrosting my windows?
While frosty or foggy windows are not an ideal start to the morning, and it may seem like an easy solution to turn on the defrosters and hope for the windows to clear as you drive.
But according to Section 56-5-5000 of South Carolina traffic laws, that could lead to a citation.
Frost or fog on windshields, windows and mirrors can obstruct views and make driving hazardous.
This state law on unobstructed windows and windshield wipers says:
- Drivers must not have any sign, poster or nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings or other windows that obstructs their view.
- Every car must have a device in good working order on the windshield to clean rain, snow or other moisture, and that device must be controlled by the driver.
How to clear fog, frost or ice
These are best practices for removing fog, frost or ice from windows from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:
Fog
One of the easiest ways to remove fog from windshields is to use cold air. By matching the air inside the vehicle to the same temperature as the outside, the fog will clear, the SCDPS says.
While a blast of cold air may not be ideal, it’s one of the quickest ways to clear windows. Drivers can also turn on defrost or crack the windows to help remove fog.
Ice and frost
For colder conditions, the SCDPS says turning on defrost for a few minutes is one of the best ways to get rid of ice and frost.
Drivers can also apply one-third cup of cool water and two-thirds cup of rubbing alcohol to their windows to quickly and easily defrost glass.
If there’s a large amount of ice or frost on a vehicle, drivers will want to scrape and/or wipe off the excess to prevent ice from sliding off and onto the road, other cars or their vehicles while driving.
For other tips for driving in colder conditions, click here.
