An Iowa blizzard post by the Cedar Valley Storm Chasing Facebook page has recently gone viral in the state of Iowa, claiming we could get 12 inches of snow next week. Is this post fake and only be used for clicks, likes, and shares? Chief Meteorologist Erik Maitland believes everyone should pump the breaks as this "mega-snowfall" as that is way too far in advance to truly predict.

Whether the post is meant to be fake or is only used for social media impressions, we will eventually see some snowfall in Iowa. There might not be a mega-snow fall next week but every winter in Iowa, we have to get the shovels out or the snow blowers and clean the driveway. The same goes for your car.

If you're lucky enough to park your car in a garage overnight or during the day, you might only have to wipe off the snow after going out to eat or running a few errands. My question is...what happens if you don't clean your car off?

If you start the car with snow covering the windows or the roof of your car, and just hope the wind will blow the snow off, are you breaking the law? You're surely making the drivers behind you mad but is it illegal?

Unsplash - Jakob Rosen
Unsplash - Jakob Rosen
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Iowa Code 321.438

According to We Are Iowa, legally you do need to clean off your car before driving. Iowa Code 321.438 says

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle equipped with a windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows which do not permit clear vision. A person shall not operate on the highway a motor vehicle equipped with a front windshield, a side window to the immediate right or left of the driver, or a sidewing forward of and to the left or right of the driver which is excessively dark or reflective so that it is difficult for a person outside the motor vehicle to see into the motor vehicle through the windshield, window, or sidewing.

Not only do you need to clear off your front windshield, you legally need to clear off the side windows, the rear window, and any other window that is covered in snow before driving.

While there is no mention of cleaning off the hood of your car or the roof of your car, take 15 seconds to clean it. No one wants to be driving behind the annoying person who didn't take the time to clean off their car and now they have snow flying into their car for as long as they're driving behind you.

You Could Get a Big Ticket

If you don't clean off your car properly when it snows, We Are Iowa says you could receive a $127.50 ticket. Imagine spending that much money on something that shouldn't take you more than 1 minute to do.

Don't be that annoying person when our first big snowfall hits. Here are some tips on what to do and not to do when it comes to cleaning your car to help protect your car's windshield and its paint.

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