LOGAN — As freezing temperatures grip Cache Valley, local law enforcement are issuing a stark warning to motorists who try to save time on frosty mornings: “peephole driving” is not just dangerous, it is illegal.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have observed a recurring issue where drivers scrape only a small patch of ice from their windshield—just enough to see the road directly ahead—while leaving the rest of the vehicle’s windows obscured by frost. This practice creates massive blind spots that can hide pedestrians, other vehicles, and changing traffic conditions until it is too late to react.
“If you can’t see the road, you can’t drive safely,” Logan City police stated in a recent public safety advisory. “Taking shortcuts by clearing off enough of the frost to create a peephole creates massive blind spots.”
The warning emphasizes that reaction time is critically compromised when peripheral vision is blocked. In the split second required to brake for a child crossing the street or a car merging into a lane, a fully cleared windshield can be the difference between a near-miss and a fatal tragedy.
Beyond the safety risks, drivers who fail to clear their windows are violating state law. Utah Code 41-6a-1635 explicitly requires that drivers keep their view unobstructed. The statute prohibits operating a vehicle with “any debris, frost, or other substance that materially obstructs the operator’s view.” Violators can face traffic citations and fines, but police emphasize that the primary goal is voluntary compliance to prevent accidents.
Safety experts recommend that drivers plan ahead during the winter months. By starting a vehicle a few minutes early, the defroster has time to loosen the ice, making it easier to scrape. Police urge residents not to stop at the driver’s side of the windshield. To ensure full visibility, drivers should clear the passenger side, the rear window, and all side windows.
Additionally, side mirrors must be scraped and visible. Snow left on the roof or hood should also be removed, as it can blow off and blind drivers following behind or slide forward onto the windshield when braking.
“Those few extra minutes spent properly clearing your windows helps ensure everyone makes it home safely,” police concluded. “Thank you for doing your part to keep Logan safe.”