Don’t Plow Driveway Snow Onto State Highways

Even though snow can pile up on your driveway, the state highway is no place to put it. In fact, it’s against the law to put any object onto state highway right of way, including snow.

Shoveling or plowing snow onto the road or the shoulder creates a hazard to other highway users, and to CTDOT’s snow plow operators. The chunks of snow and ice create an uneven road surface that can take drivers by surprise. The added burden of removing this additional snow increases CTDOT’s snow removal costs. Snow plows do build berms at the end of driveways, so the CTDOT asks property owners to help out by shoveling that snow to the side, rather than back into the road.

Having to clear the end of your driveway after the plow passes can be frustrating, but with hundreds of driveways along state highways, CTDOT crews can’t clear every one. When we’re faced with winter conditions, our first priority is keeping the roads as clear as possible. Once the storm is past, we’ll keep coming back until the roadway is cleared of snow. Property owners can expect to shovel their driveways several times, but don’t put it in the highway."

People who persist in plowing snow across the road could be cited under Connecticut law.