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This should go without saying, but clear snow and ice from your car before you drive

Two people fined Tuesday morning for driving while their view was obstructed

We've all seem them – people who drive after a snow storm and make their way around Greater Sudbury with their back window covered in snow as they peer through a little hole they cleared in their windshield.

On Tuesday morning, Greater Sudbury Police fined two people for driving while their view was obstructed, a $110 fine. Monday's storm coated the city with freezing rain, followed by snowfall overnight, covering vehicles with ice, then a layer of snow.

Police are reminding drivers it is their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are clear and safe to drive before they hit the road.

“Apparently, some community members did not get Constable Nickel's message about removing snow and ice off of their windshields and windows,” police said in a social media post that included images of two vehicles officers pulled over that were coated in ice and snow. “Both of these drivers were stopped and fined in two separate occasions by GSPS Officers this morning.

“Don't leave the driveway without removing the snow and ice from your vehicle. A little peep-hole won't do the trick.”

In addition to clearing windows, leaving a pile of snow on the roof of your vehicle can net drivers a $130 fine for having an unsecured load – a fine that rises to $310 for commercial vehicles.

The concern is melting snow on your roof could slide onto your windshield as the car warms up, or could fly off the top and land on another vehicle, potentially causing an accident.