Freeborn County Engineer Susan Miller issued a statement Monday reminding residents, business and commercial snow removal operators that it is against the law to deposit snow on or next to a public highway or street.

State law prohibits the placement of snow onto public roadways. This provision can also include the ditch and right-of-way area.

Violations are punishable as a misdemeanor, but civil penalties can also apply if the snow creates a hazard such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump that contributes to a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident. The civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who placed the snow.

Other hazards created by improper placement of snow on or near a public roadway include poor drainage, sign obstruction, and safe accessibility. Special attention should be made to keep crosswalks, intersections, entrances and exits clean and unobstructed.

Miller said to place as much snow as possible from the end of your driveway downstream in the direction of traffic, and then clear an area upstream from your driveway to form an open “pocket.”

The result is that much of the snow pushed by the plow truck will empty into this pocket and less will wind up in your driveway entrance.

For a diagram, go to www.dot.state.mn.us/workzone/images/drivewayclearing.gif

If you have any questions, please contact the Freeborn County Highway Department at 507-377-5188 or write the Freeborn County Highway Department, 3300 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN  56007.