Believe it or not, there’s a right way to shovel snow, and if you’re not doing it, you could land in hot water this winter. Shoveling snow is a task most people approach on autopilot. You clear what needs clearing, push the snow aside, and call it a job well done. As long as the sidewalk is clear, we don’t worry about our shoveling coming back to haunt us. There’s just one problem: you can cross a line you didn’t even know existed. Where you move the snow matters. If you shovel it into the street, your town or city can issue a citation — and in places with strict ordinances, they do. There’s another risk many people don’t consider: civil liability. Pushing snow onto a neighbor’s property without permission can be considered trespassing, especially if you step onto their property. If your neighbor slips and falls on snow you put there, you could be held financially responsible. Local snow ordinances vary widely, but they’re far from rare. Cities and towns where winter weather is routine have rules that prohibit dumping snow into the streets, on sidewalks, and on other public rights-of-way. It typically starts with warnings, but fines can escalate quickly. In New York City, for example, failing to properly clear snow and ice from sidewalks can result in fines of $100 to $150 for a first offense, increasing to $350 or more if the violation continues. The basic rule of thumb is simple: Keep it on your property. If you simply have too much snow — a common situation after a heavy storm — consider professional snow removal or coordinate with neighbors to alternate shoveling duties.
