The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is issuing a crucial winter reminder to residents across the province: pushing snow from your property onto roadways is not just dangerous - it's illegal.
What the Law Says About Snow Removal
As winter approaches with freezing rain and flurries expected in many regions, including Ottawa this weekend, police are emphasizing that depositing snow on any part of a highway is prohibited under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. This includes municipal roads, county routes, and provincial highways.
Many homeowners might not realize that the seemingly harmless act of clearing their driveway by pushing snow onto the road can create serious hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. The practice becomes particularly dangerous when snow freezes into hard chunks or creates unexpected obstacles on roadways.
Why This Practice is Dangerous
When residents push snow onto roads, they create multiple safety concerns that extend beyond simple inconvenience. Snow piles left on roadways can freeze into solid obstacles that are difficult for drivers to see, especially during ongoing snowfall or at night.
These unexpected snow deposits can cause vehicles to lose control, create hazards for cyclists, and obstruct visibility at intersections. They also force snowplow operators to deal with additional obstacles while trying to clear roads efficiently after winter storms.
Proper Snow Disposal Practices
Instead of pushing snow onto roads, the OPP recommends that residents pile snow on their own property, being careful not to block sidewalks or create visibility issues at driveways. Homeowners should also ensure they're not pushing snow onto neighboring properties without permission.
With heavy, wet snow expected in many parts of Ontario this winter season, proper snow management becomes even more critical. Wet snow is particularly hazardous when deposited on roads as it creates heavier, more solid obstacles that are difficult for vehicles to navigate safely.
The OPP's warning comes as municipalities across Ontario prepare for another winter season. Police emphasize that enforcement of snow removal regulations helps ensure safer roads for all users during the challenging winter months.
