by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
The Stearns County Highway Department issued a press release this week warning residents that plowing or shoveling snow from driveways or sidewalks onto a public road can get them into trouble.
Plowing or shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks onto public roads and streets may be punishable as a misdemeanor, which can come with 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.
The county urges residents not to add to the hazards of wintertime driving in this way.
