Conn. ‘Ice Missile’ Law Proves A State Money-Maker

A new law requiring motorists to remove snow and ice from their vehicles has become a new source of revenue for Connecticut.

State Police are aggressively ticketing drivers who ignore the so-called ‘‘ice missile’’ law.

Since the law took effect Jan. 1, State Police have issued at least 230 tickets to truckers and motorists who were driving snow-covered vehicles. At $120 per summons that amounts to $27,600 in tickets in a month and a half. The fine is $75, plus $45 in various surcharges.

With 12 significant snowstorms already this winter, motorists are getting plenty of practice removing snow. The job is often complicated by freezing rain and low temperatures.

Mike Riley, president of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, which represents 900 companies with truck drivers, said it’s hard enough to remove frozen snow and ice from a car. Trucks, with high cabs and thin trailer roofs, are even more difficult, he said.

‘‘We don’t have a good solution to this,’’ he said.

Some companies have made available large swinging brushes to push snow off. Trucking companies have sold 200 roof rakes intended for trucks, Riley said.

‘‘That seems to be a temporary low-tech solution,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s almost impossible to get all of it off, and people should not be penalized for a small amount.’’

The law was passed in 2010 but was delayed to Jan. 1, 2014, to allow the public to become aware of the regulation and for trucking companies to develop ways to remove snow.