The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds everyone,
including commercial snow removal operators, that it is
against state law to deposit snow onto a public roadway. Doing
so can create a slippery area, frozen rut, or bump that could
contribute to vehicle or pedestrian accidents.
Minnesota state law and many local ordinances prohibit the plowing,
blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks,
driveways and parking lots onto public roadways. This includes
ditches, roadsides and boulevards. Violations are misdemeanors
and liability can extend to both the property owner and the person
or company who placed the snow improperly.
When a snowplow comes along after driveways are cleared, MnDOT
suggests placing as much snow as possible from the end of the
driveway downstream in the direction of traffic and clear an area
upstream from the driveway to create an open "pocket."
Much of the snow pushed by the plow truck will empty into this
pocket and less will wind up in the driveway entrance. The pocket
needs to be maintained to be effective throughout the winter.
A diagram of the driveway clearing technique is available at
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/workzone/driveways.html
MnDOT cautions anyone working close to a roadway to watch for
oncoming traffic and warns drivers to be alert to people clearing
snow.
