Make Sure You’re Not Breaking Michigan Law When Shoveling Snow

It's Wintertime in Michigan and while most of the state hasn't recived enough snow to bust out a shovel or snow blower just yet we all know it's the time is coming soon.

You may not be aware, but the state of Michigan has several snow removal laws.

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Michigan's snow removal laws are designed to ensure the safety of you and your neighbors during Michigan's harsh winter conditions.

Michigan Snow Removal Laws

According to Michigan's Vehicle Code section 257.677a, residents are prohibited from shoveling snow from their sidewalks, cars, or property into the road.

Instead, they must distribute excess snow onto their own property and not onto a nearby road or shoulder.

Failing to remove snow from their premises within 48 hours of a snowfall can result in consequences, provided that doing so is reasonable considering the weather and the homeowner's physical condition.

Grand Rapids Snow Removal Ordinance

In Grand Rapids, there is a specific snow removal ordinance that applies to both homeowners and occupants within the city.

The ordinance states that if the owner or occupant of a home has been notified and fails to take action to remove the snow within 48 hours, the city can then remove the snow itself and assess a snow removal fee along with other potential administrative fees to the homeowner or occupant.

In addition to property-related snow removal laws, Michigan also has laws regarding the removal of snow from vehicles.

According to MCL 257.709 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, drivers may not operate their vehicles when the windshield, side, or rear windows are so covered with snow, ice, or slush that the driver's view of the highway or an intersecting highway is obstructed.

Failing to comply with Michigan's snow removal laws can have serious consequences, including civil fines and potential liability for accidents caused by non-compliance.

If someone on the road or in your neighborhood fails to abide by Michigan’s snow removal laws and causes an accident, the accident’s victims have the right to bring that party forward in civil court.

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