A new Maryland law requires commercial vehicle operators to clear snow and ice before driving—and penalties can reach $1,500.
Most Maryland trucking and transportation business owners haven't heard about a requirement buried in HB474 that will directly affect how they operate come winter 2026. The law creates a new compliance obligation for any business running commercial vehicles—and the penalties are substantial enough to warrant attention now.
Effective October 1, 2026, Maryland law will require businesses operating commercial vehicles to make reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from all exposed surfaces before driving. This applies to delivery trucks, box vans, trailers, and any other commercial vehicle used in business operations.
The requirement is codified in Section 21-1135(B)(1)(I) on Page 2 of HB474. The language is straightforward: operators must clear exposed surfaces. What "reasonable efforts" means in practice will likely be tested through enforcement, but the intent is clear—don't operate a snow-laden commercial vehicle on Maryland roads.
If your business owns or operates any commercial vehicle—whether it's a single delivery van or a fleet of trailers—this applies to you. The law targets businesses specifically, not just individual drivers. That means your company bears responsibility for ensuring compliance before vehicles leave your lot or facility.
This is different from existing rules that apply to all vehicles. This provision creates a business-level obligation to implement procedures and practices that ensure snow and ice removal happens consistently.
Non-compliance carries real financial risk. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per offense for operating a commercial vehicle with accumulated snow or ice. That penalty increases to $1,500 if the violation contributes to an accident that causes property damage or serious injury.
For a transportation company running multiple vehicles, even a single winter day with inadequate clearing procedures could result in multiple violations across the fleet. The accident-related penalty creates additional liability exposure beyond the base fine.
The October 1, 2026 effective date gives businesses time to prepare, but preparation should start soon. Consider:
• Reviewing your current snow and ice removal procedures and equipment
• Documenting what "reasonable efforts" means for your operation (parking lot clearing, vehicle-by-vehicle inspection, timing requirements)
• Training drivers and lot staff on the new requirement
• Adjusting winter operating schedules if necessary to allow time for proper clearing
• Consulting with your insurance provider about coverage implications
The law doesn't specify what equipment or methods satisfy "reasonable efforts," which creates some ambiguity. However, that ambiguity cuts both ways—it allows flexibility in how you comply, but it also means enforcement could be inconsistent. Documentation of your efforts will matter if a violation is cited.
HB474's snow and ice removal requirement for commercial vehicles is a compliance obligation with financial and liability consequences. It's not optional, and it's not years away. Businesses should begin reviewing their winter procedures now and have clear protocols in place before the October 2026 effective date.
Maryland transportation businesses can access detailed guidance on HB474 compliance requirements through industry resources and legal counsel specializing in commercial vehicle regulations.