4 Maine Snow Removal Laws You Should Know About

After a quiet December and January this winter, with little to no snow, Maine got pounded over and over with storms to make up for it. My back still aches from clearing our driveway four times in one week.

Shoveling and clearing snow off cars sucks, but in several cases, you may be required by law to remove snow.

Here are four laws in Maine that have to do with snow removal.

You Must Remove Snow and Ice From Your Vehicle Before Driving it

Maine law requires drivers to take reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice from falling off their vehicles. The law applies to vehicles under 10,000 pounds, which includes most passenger cars. Drivers must clear all snow and ice from their vehicles, not just enough to see out the windows. They can't drive a vehicle with snow or ice that has naturally accumulated on the roof, except during a snowstorm or in the 48 hours after the storm ends.

If snow or ice falls from the roof, it could damage other cars or injure those riding in them.

You Cannot Shovel or Blow Snow Into the Road

It's tempting to just push the snow in your driveway into the road, but that's against Maine law. Pushing snow into the road creates safety hazards and is a traffic infraction. You could face up to a $500 fine, so just keep piling it up on the sides of the driveway like me. It'll melt....someday.

READ MORE: Hate When the Plow Dumps Snow in Your Driveway? Here’s How to Prevent It

Who's Responsible For Clearing Snow if You Rent an Apartment?

If you have a lease that doesn't specify whether your landlord will take care of snow removal, the responsibility could be yours. Check your lease to see who is responsible and if you don't want to shovel, see if you can negotiate it in your lease before you sign it.

Are You Responsible For Clearing Snow From Sidewalks

That depends on where you live. In some cities and towns residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their homes. Portland is one of those cities where it's a requirement. Check with your local town office of City Hall to see if you are responsible.