BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Minnesota
Department of Transportation reminds the public that it is unlawful to deposit
snow on or next to a public highway or street.
“Improperly placing
snow on or near a public road creates hazards including drainage problems,
drifting, sight obstruction and unsafe access,” said Reid Baumann, MnDOT
District 2 spokesperson. “Keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits
clean and unobstructed.”
Minnesota lawand many local ordinances
prohibit 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.
MnDOT maintenance
crews plow and maintain about 12,000 miles of state highways and interstates in
Minnesota.
