Snow on Car Law in Iowa: What Drivers Need to Know

Here in Iowa, winter weather is a way of life. We know that every year, heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain will come and cover the roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways in our cities. Though the snow and ice can certainly create a winter wonderland, it can also be very dangerous, and when the snow comes, there is a higher risk on the roads.

One issue that often arises when the winter comes is when snow and ice is left on vehicles. Drivers may not realize that failing to remove the snow and ice from their cars and trucks can lead to accidents, tickets, or even legal liability. This isn't just dangerous for the driver of a particular car, but also for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. When snow or ice blows or slides from a moving car, it can definitely cause serious accidents.

Here's what drivers need to know about snow and ice on a car in Iowa:

Is There a Snow on Car Law in Iowa or in Des Moines?

Iowa doesn't have a single law that specifically states that snow has to be removed from a vehicle before driving. However, Iowa law does state that drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicles and operate them in a safe manner.

In addition to this, vehicles must also comply with requirements for equipment and visibility. If snow is on the front windshield and the driver doesn't have clear vision of their surroundings, law enforcement can consider that a violation of traffic laws. The same can be said if a driver's brake lights, turn signals, or other signals are covered with snow or ice.

This means that a driver can get a ticket or be held liable if the snow on their vehicle contributes to unsafe driving conditions or causes an accident.

Obstructed View from Front, Side, and Rear Windows and Unsafe Equipment Violations Due to Winter Conditions

One of the most common legal issues related to snow on a vehicle is obstructed visibility. Iowa law requires that a driver have a clear view of the road. If snow and ice are left on the windows, mirrors, headlights or taillights, it can affect how well the driver can see, or be seen, on slick roads.

If police officers notice that a driver doesn't have good visibility due to snow and ice on their vehicle, the driver may be cited for a safety or equipment violation. Even a partial obstruction, like snow covering a side mirror, or partially clear rear windows, may be enough to justify a stop and a ticket and fine.

Snow Flying Off Vehicles and Road Hazards Due to Not Removing Snow

Another major concern is snow flying off of a moving vehicle. Even if a driver has cleared the snow off of their windows and mirrors, if there is still snow or ice on the roof, hood, or truck bed, it can literally create a whiteout condition or large chunks of ice can hit another vehicle. This may cause damage to another driver's vehicle, force a driver to lose control, or even result in a chain-reaction crash, even on dry pavement.

If snow and ice from a vehicle causes damage to another person, the driver is often held liable. This is because not clearing snow and ice is considered negligent. Though it may be a different case if snowfall is occurring at the same time, every case will be looked at individually by the courts if an accident occurs.

Negligence and Liability After a Snow-Related Accident

In Iowa, a car accident is governed by a fault-based system. This means that the driver who caused the accident will likely be responsible for damages. In the case of snow or ice on a vehicle, if the driver only has half their windshield clear, or they didn't clean off side mirrors, or even if there is snow blowing from the roof of their car, and those things contributed to a crash, they could be liable.

Insurance companies will look at this very closely. They will want to see if a driver took reasonable steps to clear the vehicle before driving. Generally, this includes removing snow from the roof, hood, trunk, windows, lights, and even the license plate.

Leaving snow and ice on a vehicle could be seen as a failure to act reasonably.

Modified Comparative Fault in Iowa

Iowa uses a modified comparative fault rule to determine liability. Under this system, a person who is injured in a car accident can get compensation from the other driver/drivers as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault. Once fault is determined, the damages will be reduced by the driver's percentage of fault.

Oftentimes, especially in snowy or icy weather conditions, drivers will share fault. For instance, if one driver didn't clear snow off of their car, but if the other one was starting to speed, it could be said that the rear driver was not following at a safe distance even though the lead driver didn't clear their car.

Because of these small details, a lot of effort is put into determining who is at fault before the matter is settled.

Commercial Vehicles and Higher Expectations

Drivers of commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, and company-owned cars may be held to an even higher standard. These drivers often receive training on vehicle safety and are expected to follow strict maintenance and inspection protocols.

If snow falls from a commercial vehicle and causes an accident, liability may extend beyond the driver to the employer or company that owns the vehicle. Employers have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe to operate, including during winter weather.

Law Enforcement and Traffic Stops in Winter

During winter months, Iowa law enforcement agencies frequently monitor vehicles for safety violations related to snow and ice. Traffic stops may occur when snow obstructs license plates, headlights, or windows.

These stops are not merely technical. They are intended to reduce preventable accidents during hazardous winter conditions. A citation for snow-related violations can also be used as evidence in a civil injury claim if an accident occurs.

What to Do If Snow on a Vehicle Causes an Accident

When an accident involves snow or ice falling from a vehicle, evidence becomes critical. Police reports may note whether snow was present on the vehicle. Photographs, dash camera footage, witness statements, and weather reports can all play a role in determining fault.

Injured individuals should seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, and avoid making statements to insurance companies without legal guidance. Snow-related accidents can quickly become disputed liability cases. For more information on determining liability, a vehicle accident law firm in Des Moines may be able to help.

How an Iowa Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Accidents involving snow on vehicles often involve complex liability issues, insurance disputes, and comparative fault arguments. An experienced Iowa car accident attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and advocate for a fair allocation of fault. They can also advise on who is liable for sidewalk ice in Iowa.

Legal representation is particularly important when injuries are serious, multiple vehicles are involved, or an insurance company attempts to minimize responsibility by blaming winter weather alone. They can also help with questions such as what is the continuing storm doctrine in Iowa?

Talk to Tom Fowler Law About Your Winter Accident Case

Snow and ice are unavoidable parts of Iowa winters, but accidents caused by snow left on vehicles are often preventable. Drivers in Iowa communities still have a duty to act reasonably and take steps to ensure their vehicles are safe before driving.

For individuals in Des Moines injured in an accident involving snow or ice falling from a vehicle, understanding Iowa law is critical. Tom Fowler Law helps accident victims evaluate liability, protect their rights, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, tow trucks, and other damages.

A free consultation can help determine whether snow on a vehicle played a role in an accident and whether a personal injury claim may be available under Iowa law.