The amendment that specifically sets out this obligation began to apply two years ago. In the same way, drivers must remove the ice and snow from the vehicle and cargo before they can ride .
In practice, this means that before cleaning, we clean all the glasses on the vehicle, the rear and rearview mirrors, the roof of the car, the semi-trailer or the lift, and the snow cap on the hood. If the driver does not properly clean the vehicle, a fine of up to CZK 2,000 and a fine of CZK 2,500 in administrative proceedings are issued. Surrounding countries also remember that the driver must be able to see the vehicle well and have a fairly strict sanction for riding a non-cleaned car.
"Most drivers have learned to properly clean their vehicle from snow and ice and get ready. Still, some motorcycle cleaners use only wipers, which in winter does not guarantee sufficient visibility and endanger others on the road, " said Tomáš Neřold in charge of the BESIP Department of Transportation.
How is it beyond the borders?
In Germany , the first warning fine is € 25 (€ 635), which a police officer can impose on a snowman on the vehicle body. However, if the snowmobile threatens other operators, the amount is increased to EUR 80 (CZK 2 030) and, in addition, the policeman forbids another ride until the removal period.
Another frequent winter destination of Czech drivers - Austria - is aware of this danger and the police do not hesitate to fine the driver with the snow-capped car. If a car accident occurs with an injury or traffic jail, the penalty may be up to EUR 5,000 (CZK 126,800). The local legislation speaks about cleaning all windows, bonnets, roofs and even registration marks.
Another Alpine country - Switzerland - is even stricter in this respect. Here, the cleaned vehicle is only the one that is cleaned of snow and ice except for the roof, windows and bonnets and headlights and rear-view mirrors. Failure to comply with these regulations will entail a fine of up to CHF 200 (CZK 4,390).
In Slovakia there is a similar rule as in the Czech Republic. The penalty is set at EUR 60 (CZK 1,520).
What does the Czech law say?
The driver must not:
* drive a vehicle on which there are dirt, frost or snow that prevent vision from the driver's seat forward, back and sides,
* drive a vehicle on or on which cargo is ice that could compromise on road safety when released
Source: tz, edited editorially