Rice County Highway officials remind residents that it is illegal to deposit snow on or next to a public highway or street.
Pushing snow or other debris onto the roadway creates hazards that can lead to drainage problems, drifting, unsafe access and sight obstruction which can lead to a crash, especially for plow drivers operating a vehicle that is 15x heavier than the average car.
For everyone’s safety, it’s important to keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits clean and unobstructed.
Minnesota law prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow on to public roads. This includes the ditch and right of way area along the roads.
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.
