The Stearns County Highway Department warns that plowing or shoveling snow from driveways or sidewalks onto a road can get you in trouble. Plowing or shoveling snow onto roads and streets is a misdemeanor punishable with a fine
of up to $700 and /or a jail sentence of up to 90 days.
Snow dumped, plowed or shoveled onto a road can create a hazard, not only for drivers 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. 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.
