Ohio drivers could face charges and fines if snow from their cars causes damage on the road

CINCINNATI — After the first significant snowfall of the season , you may have noticed drivers with snow piled on top of their cars.

If that snow falls off and damages another vehicle, the driver could face charges.

In Ohio, it's illegal to drive cars deemed "unsafe" by the state. It's not illegal to have snow on top of your car — until it falls onto the car behind you. If snow or ice falls off your car and damages another, you could be charged with a minor misdemeanor .

We spoke with driving instructor Andy Hamrick about why clearing snow from your car matters.

“When it’s bad out like this, you want to be seen,” Hamrick said.

Hamrick, who works at Bick’s Driving School near Cherry Grove, said snow on the hood or top of a vehicle can be dangerous.

“If that snow is here on the hoo