North Van RCMP gives warnings—and brushes—to 45 drivers with snow-covered vehicles

 North Van RCMP issued warnings—and lent a brush—to 45 drivers who had not cleared snow from their vehicles.

On Tuesday afternoon, North Vancouver RCMP set up a roadblock on the Mountain Highway off-ramp, stopping drivers with snow-covered cars. In just one hour, officers pulled over approximately 45 motorists, offering warnings and lending them brushes to clear their vehicles.

This afternoon, we set up a roadblock on the Mountain Highway off-ramp, stopping vehicles that had snow on top of their vehicles. In just an hour, we pulled over about 45 drivers, gave them a friendly warning, and even lent them a brush to clear off their frosty rooftops.… pic.twitter.com/tjcgLsftG6

— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) February 4, 2025

“Leaving snow on your vehicle—including the windshield, windows, and roof—isn’t just a bad look, it’s a hazard for everyone on the road,” North Vancouver RCMP stated in a social media post. Drivers could also face a $173 fine for failing to remove snow and ice before hitting the road.

Meanwhile, in Burnaby, RCMP officers stopped 112 vehicles in just two hours on Monday morning near Broadway and North Road for improper snow clearing. Officers focused on education rather than enforcement, allowing drivers to clear their vehicles or receive a ticket. However, not all motorists avoided fines. One driver in Burnaby was ticketed $109 for driving well below the speed limit with a windshield still covered in snow. The driver reportedly told officers they were going to buy a snow-clearing brush.

North Van RCMP spokesperson Mansoor Sahak emphasized the danger of driving with snow and ice buildup, warning that it could have “deadly consequences” for the driver and others on the road.

“Regardless of the type of vehicle, it’s a driver’s responsibility to ensure there’s no debris on the hood, windshield, or roof,” he told CityNews, adding that truck drivers have designated drive-through stations for snow clearing. “There’s no excuse for anyone to drive with snow obstructing their view.”

Police are reminding drivers that neglecting to clear snow and ice creates risks for themselves and can endanger others by sending chunks flying into traffic. With winter weather creating hazardous conditions, RCMP urges motorists to take extra precautions before heading out.

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