Connecticut legislators have approved a law punishing drivers for not removing snow and ice from their vehicles.
Violators could be subject to $75 fines for not removing snow, and if damage or injury is involved, commercial vehicle drivers may pay up to $1,250 in fines, according to published reports.

Effective December 2013, the law has gained approval in the House and Senate and just needs to go to Gov. Jodi Rell for final approval.

Rell will likely sign the bill into law, as it resembles a similar snow provision passed by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine last year.

The law was prompted by concerns about "ice missiles," large sheets of snow and ice that fly into traffic and can break windshields or cause other damage to nearby vehicles.

Trucking groups, including the American Trucking Associations and the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, in the past have expressed concern about laws regarding snow removal, because it's difficult for truckers to get on top of their rigs and remove snow without risking serious injury or even death from falls. Trucking company owners that push drivers to remove snow to comply with this law worry they could violate worker-safety laws.