As the snow continues to pile up in Niles the places to safely store it continue to shrink.

Some citizens and snow removal companies have begun plowing snow from private property across roadways and onto the shoulders of roadways, according to a press release from the City of Niles.

The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code clearly prohibits this action.

Here is an excerpt of the code:

Act 300 of 1949

257.677a — Obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush prohibited.

Sec. 677a.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Person” shall not include the state or a political subdivision of the state or an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state operating within the scope of his duties.

(b) “Safety vision” means an unobstructed line of sight enabling a driver to travel upon, enter, or exit a roadway in a safe manner.

(2) A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other than off-road vehicles.

(3) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of the roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle.

(4) A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway.

These snow piles become very compacted and are very dangerous to our snowplow operators. Striking these areas with the large wing plows and even the under mounted scrapers causes the trucks to loose traction and sometimes spin into oncoming lanes. The abrupt impact can also injure drivers and damage equipment.

Private property owners are required to retain the snow on their property or have it safely removed. A citation for violation is $185 including fee and costs. In addition, restitution will be sought from all persons and/or companies responsible for damage to snow removal equipment.

The Niles City Police Department will be strictly enforcing this regulation.