Now that winter is here the Brown County Highway Department wants to remind everyone that it is unlawful to push snow on or next to a public highway or street.

Minnesota law (Minnesota Statute 160.2715) prohibits the plowing, pushing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing snow onto public roads. This includes the ditch and all the right of way area along the roads.

Violations are punishable as a misdemeanor, but civil penalties can also apply if the placement of snow in the right of way creates a hazard such as slippery areas, frozen ruts or bumps, drifting or sight obstructions that contribute to a crash. This includes small windrows of snow left on the road from pushing snow across the road. Civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who placed the snow.

Brown County maintains 346 miles of highway with four motorgraders and 9 snowplow trucks. With only one snowplowing crew it does not allow for 24 hour plowing/sanding. The snowplows start as early as 5a.m. and work as long as 12 hours. This depends on the severity of the storm and weather conditions. If windy conditions create an unsafe situation the plows may be pulled until it is safe. KNUJ radio is notified when this occurs.

When approaching a snowplow:

REDUCE YOUR SPEED – Snowplows are traveling at a slower speed when plowing snow or sanding ice.

KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE – The most common and severe type of crash between a snowplow and another vehicle is when the other vehicle “rear ends” the snowplow because the other driver does not realize how slow the snowplow is moving.

PASS WITH CAUTION – Never pass a snowplow unless you can clearly see the opposing traffic lane ahead. Don’t ever drive into a snow cloud.