Snow dumped on roads a peril to motorists

The Stearns County Highway Department warns that plowing or shoveling snow from your driveways or sidewalk onto a public road can get you into trouble. Plowing or shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks onto public roads and streets may be punishable as a misdemeanor (Minn. Statutes 169.42 and 160.2715).

Misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $700 and/or a jail sentence of up to 90 days.

Snow dumped, plowed or shoveled onto a roadway can create a real hazard not only for motorists but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow deposited on the highways.

In some parts of the County, snow pushed onto a highway causes snowdrifts which are hazardous to motorists.  The person responsible for depositing snow onto the highway may also be -liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries occur as a result of the action.

We urge residents, as good neighbors and motorists themselves, not to add to the hazards of wintertime driving in this way.