Push, Do Not Scrape, and Clear All of It
Use a soft brush or foam snow broom to push snow off the car, let the defroster loosen ice on the glass before you scrape, and keep scrapers and shovels away from the paint. Clear the whole car. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires a clear view through the windshield and front side windows, and the province advises clearing ice and snow from windows, lights, mirrors and the roof.
What Ontario Law Says
Section 74
Section 74(1) of the Highway Traffic Act says no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway "unless the windshield and the windows on either side of the compartment containing the steering wheel are in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the front and side of the motor vehicle", and unless the rear window gives a clear view to the rear. Section 74(2) lifts the rear-window part for vehicles with mirrors that give a clear reflected view behind (Ontario e-Laws, currency date October 23, 2026).
The province's advice
Ontario's winter driving page says to clear ice and snow from your windows, lights, mirrors and roof before you set off.
Clearing Without Damage
Soft tools for paint
A foam snow broom or a soft-bristled brush moves snow without grinding the grit underneath into the clear coat. Push snow away from you in strokes instead of scrubbing back and forth.
Let the defroster work
Give the defroster time to soften ice on the glass before scraping. Use the scraper on glass only, and never chip ice off painted panels or film.
Film, coatings and tint
Paint protection film heals light marks with heat, but a scraper edge can still cut it. Coated paint lets snow slide off more readily, so less force is needed. Window tint film sits on the inside of the glass, so scrape the outside as usual.
Common Questions
Can I pour hot water on an icy windshield?
It is safer not to. A sudden temperature change can stress the glass, and the water refreezes. Let the defroster soften the ice instead.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on the roof in Ontario?
Section 74 of the Highway Traffic Act is about a clear view through the windshield, the front side windows and the rear window. The province's winter driving advice is to clear the roof as well, along with windows, lights and mirrors.
Will a snow brush scratch my paint?
A stiff or dirty one can. Use soft tools, keep them clean and push the snow rather than scrubbing. If swirls appear, paint correction can often polish them out.
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