MnDOT advises public not to push snow onto roadways
December 9, 2009 by Ivan Raconteur
Filed under News
WILLMAR, MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds all snow removal operators that it is unlawful to deposit snow on or next to a public highway or street.
Minnesota law and many local ordinances prohibit the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow onto public roadways. This includes the ditch and right-of- way area along the roadside.
Violations are considered misdemeanors, but civil penalties also apply if the placement of snow creates a hazard such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump that contributes to a motor vehicle or pedestrian crash. The civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who placed the snow.
Other hazards created by improper placement of snow on or near a public roadway include drainage problems, drifting, sight obstruction and safe accessibility. Special attention should be made to keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits clean and unobstructed.
this proves my point that the police departments and other government bodies are comletely communist. it is illegal for you to put snow on the road but those darn plows can block your driveway with a foot of snow!!! ONE SET OF LAWS FOR COPS AND 1 SET OF LAWS FOR EVERYONE ELSE
Unlike the plow operators, property owners or caretakers have responsibility only for their lot/land. It is reasonable to believe they (we) have more time to properly get rid of the snow. If plow operators for cities and counties had to make sure no driveways got blocked, some streets would never get cleared over the course of a winter, unless you’d want to spend much, much more (and collect it via taxation) to pay for additional crews to keep the driveways clear.