FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Drivers who leave their windshields even partially covered by snow or ice could face hefty fines, according to the Fort Smith Police Department.
As winter weather hit Arkansas and Oklahoma this week, police said drivers should know they need to clear their windshields and car windows of all obstructions, otherwise they could face a $140 fine.
5NEWS spoke with Jeremy Fowler, who manages Ace Hardware in Fort Smith. From de-icing agents to shovels and scrapers, his store stocks up.
Fowler said hitting the road with your windshield covered in ice and snow is a bad idea, as it is both dangerous and illegal. Fowler said when de-icing your windshield, there are certain things you shouldn't do.
“One thing you shouldn't do is pour hot water on the windshield of your vehicle because it will crack your windshield,” Fowler said.
Fowler said warming up your vehicle before de-icing is always a good idea. And a combination of a de-icing product and a scraper can help you get your day started without a ticket.
“You can get hurt, you can hurt somebody else and it's illegal,” Fowler said.