Snow removal rules reminded

Published 9:22 am Wednesday, February 4, 2015

The Freeborn County Highway Department cautions property owners against dumping snow on public roadways and offers tips for clearing driveway entrances.

County Engineer Sue Miller would like to remind everyone, including commercial snow removal operators, that it is against state law to deposit snow onto a public roadway. Dumping or plowing snow onto a roadway can create a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, which has the potential to contribute to a motor vehicle or pedestrian crash.

Minnesota Statute 160.27 prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots onto public roadways, which can include the ditch and right-of-way in certain situations. The public is cautioned that violations are misdemeanors and civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person or company who placed the snow improperly.

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Freeborn County cautions anyone working close to a roadway to watch for oncoming traffic and warns drivers to be alert to people clearing snow.

For statewide up-to-date traveler information, Minnesotans are now able to access weather-related road conditions, construction and congestion by dialing 511 or by logging on to 511mn.org.