Deposit of Snow on Roadway

What Can Happen If a Person Shovels Snow Onto the Street?

As Per Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act It Is Unlawful to Plow Snow or Shovel Snow Into the Roadway. A Person May Be Fined Up to $1,000 Plus the Mandatory Victim Surcharge and Court Cost Upon a Finding of Guilt For a Violation of Such Law.

Understanding the Illegality of Plowing or Shoveling Snow Onto a Roadway Including Applicable Penalties

The money and effort spent to maintain the snow and ice that falls upon roadways is substantial; however, a necessary expense of resources as the means to keep roadways as safe as possible. Accordingly, people who deposit snow upon the roadways, whether by shovel or plow, undermine the effort to keep the roadways maintained and safe.

Note: Please contact Ajodhia Legal Services by phone at: (647) 882-8205 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

The Law

Whereas snow and ice presents a serious safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians alike, great resources are expended to keep roadways well maintained and thereby as safe as possible. Persons who plow snow or shovel snow onto the roadway undermine the maintenance effort as well as creating hazards that could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Accordingly, the law, per section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 does forbid persons from pushing, or piling snow onto the roadway. For those found guilty of violating section 181, the details for the penalty upon conviction are prescribed by section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act whereas section 181 is actually silent, meaning absent, about the penalty details. Interestingly, what is actually defined as the "roadway" often requires careful review of the definition as within section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act. Within section 181, section 214(1), and section 1 of the Highway Traffic Act it is specifically stated:

As stated above, the general penalty prescribed by section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act imposes a fine ranging from sixty ($60) dollars to one thousand ($1,000) dollars for plowing snow or shoveling snow onto the roadway.  Furthermore, a statutory victim surcharge plus court cost will also apply.

Summary Comment

Depositing snow upon a roadway, whether by plowing, shoveling, or other manner, poses a hazard to motorists that creates a risk of accident with serious injury or death as potential consequences. Furthermore, depositing snow upon a roadway causes waste in the effort and money expended by municipalities, among others, who maintain the roadways. Accordingly, shoveling snow, plowing snow, or otherwise depositing snow upon the roadway is an offence and is subject to a potential fine of one thousand ($1,000) dollars plus victim surcharge and court cost.