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   While we haven’t had measurable snow or plowable snow that adds up to large piles for a couple of winters, this winter we were quickly reminded about what a normal winter might be here in Northern Minnesota. With that comes measurable snow comes complaints that we receive about snow plowing and depositing of snow from driveways and properties in unsafe and illegal ways. 

   In Minnesota, it is illegal and dangerous to deposit snow from private property onto public roads, ditches, or rights-of-way, as it creates hazards like blocked sightlines, drifts, and drainage issues, leading to potential fines (misdemeanor) and civil liability if it causes an accident. State law (Minnesota Statutes 160. 2715  & 169.42) prohibits obstructing highways with snow and violations can result in citations, fines, or even jail time, with liability extending to property owners and those who moved the snow. 

   Why it’s illegal and dangerous

 • Obstructs traffic: Piles of snow narrow roads, block crosswalks, and hide signs, increasing crash risks.

   • Causes drifting: Wind blows deposited snow, creating unexpected and hazardous drifts.

   • Damages equipment: Compacted snow can damage snowplows and other road maintenance equipment.

   • Creates drainage issues: Melted snow can freeze, causing icy patches or blocking culverts, leading to erosion. 

   Legal consequences

   • Misdemeanor: Violations are misdemeanors, punishable by fines (up to $700) and/or jail time (up to 90 days).

   • Civil liability: If snow placement contributes to an accident, you can be held responsible for damages and injuries.

   What to do instead

   • Keep all snow on your own property.

   • Ensure clear visibility at intersections, driveways, and sidewalks.

   • Be a good neighbor by keeping roads safe for everyone, including snowplow drivers. 

   • Do not push snow across a public roadway to pile. 

   • Also, a good reminder for you or your snow removal company is to not block or obstruct your blue number address sign with banks of snow. A clear address sign that is easily visible from both directions helps guarantee a safe and quick response for emergency personnel when responding to your residence or business for a emergency situation. Keeping your sign clear ensures paramedics, firefighters, and police can find your home quickly when every second counts.

   • It’s also important to remember safety for our rural mail carries. Clearing snow from your mailbox involves creating a safe path for your carrier, ideally a 15-foot clearance before and after the box for vehicle approach and departure, without requiring them to get out. Clear snow and ice from the walkway to the box, ensure house numbers are visible, and keep the area free of obstructions like trash cans or parked cars, so carriers can deliver safely and efficiently, or risk mail suspension. 

   • Clear a wide path: Shovel and salt a path that extends about 15 feet in front of and behind your mailbox to allow the carrier to drive in and out safely.

   • Remove snowbanks: Ensure snow piled by plows isn’t blocking access to the box or creating a hazard for the carrier.

   • Keep it accessible: Don’t place trash cans, vehicles, or other objects near the mailbox that block access.

   Keeping these simple yet effective methods in places to make daily operations of those out working and clearing roadways and delivering our mail safe and their job more efficient. We would like to take the opportunity to wish our readers and residents a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes in the New Year. We sincerely thank you for your support during the entire year and look forward to serving you in the New Year. 

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

   Email: [email protected]

   Phone: (218) 547-1424  1 (800) 450-2677

   By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office, 303 Minnesota Ave W, PO Box 1119,

Walker, MN 56484

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