VIDEO: Over $400 fine for passing snow plows on Ontario roads, police warn

With winter weather hitting the province, police are urging drivers to take their time, slow down, and avoid passing snow plows to keep roads safe and avoid a more than $400 fine.

Last year, Ontario introduced amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that introduced a fine of $405 for drivers caught passing snow plows on roads with a posted speed limit of 80 km/h or higher.

And with much of Ontario under a blanket of snow this week, the OPP is reminding drivers of the dangers of passing snow plows as well as the hefty fine.

Passing plows is also dangerous for drivers and snow clearing operators, police say.

A video shared by the OPP Highway Safety Division from last year shows a driver crash after trying to sneak past a line of plows on Highway 407. The driver hits a barrier before crashing into the blade of a plow, bringing the machines and traffic to a standstill.

Drive responsibly and be prepared for changing road and weather conditions. #OnStorm
This driver was unable to adjust their driving and collided into the wall shutting down plowing operations. #Hwy407OPP ^ks pic.twitter.com/GIthbc8aBJ

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 16, 2024

Visibility from inside a plow’s cab can be limited, and operators may not notice a passing vehicle when they’re focused on snow clearing.

Passing a plow isn’t just a fine but can also come with criminal charges like stunt driving, careless driving and dangerous driving.

“Be patient and keep a safe distance behind working plows and other winter maintenance vehicles,” police say. ” Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to account for longer stopping distance on icy roads.”

Snow is in the forecast for much of the week in southern Ontario with snow squall warning, snowfall advisories and watches in many areas.