Driving on snow has certain rules which give rise to fines in the event of non -compliance.
Everyone loves snow. Or almost. For motorists, especially those who live in regions where the flakes only fall into the year, the snowy episodes are rather sources of anxiety. Driving on snow is indeed nothing obvious. You must already know how to adapt your driving style. Banking big accelerations and too abrupt steering wheel stoves, all experts will tell you: driving with flexibility is the best solution to avoid going across. Just as important, or even more, it is recommended to equip your vehicle with snow tires and/or snow chains that are designed to improve adhesion on snowy or verglaced roads.
All these recommendations are rather common sense and are known by the vast majority of motorists. But there are other rules to respect when it comes to driving in winter climatic conditions. Among these, one is ignored by too many motorists. If most of them think of removing the snow from their windshield before starting, many forget to remove the one that has accumulated on the roof of their vehicle. In case of strong snowfalls, a layer of 10 to 15 centimeters can quickly deposit on the roof. It is undoubtedly because it does not bother the driving that most drivers are not concerned with removing it.
This negligence can however have serious consequences. Because the snow piled up on the roof bottom by little and the risk of seeing it detach in a large block is large in case, for example, with a slightly too brutal brake. In this case, the consequences can be disastrous for the occupants of the following vehicle. As well if the block of ice falls just in front of its wheels or, even worse, on its windshield. Unwittingly, the driver who has not won his roof can cause a traffic accident for which he will be held responsible.
It is to rule out these dangers that the police are often uncompromising with respect for the highway code in this area. The latter, via article R. 312-19, indicates that it is “the driver to clear the snow and the ice covering the roof of his vehicle before hitting the road.” Not doing it is liable to a 3rd category fine, an amount of 68 euros to pay. Better to know to avoid a unpleasant surprise and to put other users of the road in danger.