I would warn you that winter is coming if it wasn’t already here for many across America. Instead, I would like for you to know that driving with ice on your windshield isn’t worth saving time. It’s actually dangerous and illegal. 

Is driving with ice on your windshield illegal? 

Yes, it is illegal to drive with ice on your windshield. I understand that some drivers get stressed out while running late, and don’t want to wait for the ice to melt. So, they risk everything to rush into traffic as a small gap forms in the ice. 

In many states, it’s illegal to drive a car with ice and snow on the roof, windows, and rear. For example, in Kansas, the law requires drivers to remove ice from the windows and windshields before driving. 

Drivers should not operate their vehicles if any of the windows are obstructed. According to KSRevisor, no person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, sign, or rear windows which substantially obstructs, obscures, or impair the driver’s clear view of the road.

That means you need to wait for your side windows to defrost as well. You could also roll them down and embrace the frigid temperatures. 

Remember the rear window, which also needs to be defrosted. If your back window doesn’t have a defroster, this can be time-consuming. 

Failing to clear the ice from your windows will result in getting a ticket. Then you’ll be much later to work. You could be fined about $75 for the first offense. But some fines can be over $1,000.

However, some police officers can slap you with an expensive ticket for negligent driving in the second degree. 

Driving with ice on your windshield impairs visibility, increasing the risk of injuries and accidents. Plus, the sun’s reflection on the ice can be blinding. If the ice is dislodged, it could endanger other vehicles and pedestrians.