Washington cracking down on icy cars

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Washington motorists who fail to remove ice from their vehicles will face possible citations for creating a potential road hazard, city officials say.

City Council officials have approved an ordinance this week that allows authorities to cite any Washington driver whose car is being operated with large amounts of ice on it, The Washington Times said Wednesday.

The new ordinance is in response to concerns that ice chunks can fly off moving vehicles, creating potential road hazards for other drivers.

"It's a common-sense measure," Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. said of the legislation that the council passed Tuesday. "People need to take a little more time preparing as they drive in icy conditions."

The Times said Council Member Michael Brown supported the winter safety measure but blocked a corresponding $50 fine for motorists.

"We have cars coming off the roads that are like igloos," said Brown, who amended the legislation to omit the icy car fine.