A method of determining a surface condition of a road of travel. A light beam directed at a surface in the road of travel is transmitted utilizing a lidar system. A response is analyzed at a photodetector of the lidar system after transmitting the light beam. A determination is made whether a form of precipitation is present on the road of travel in response to analyzing the response at the photodetector. A precipitation indicating signal is generated in response to the determination that the ground surface includes a form of precipitation on the road of travel.