WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has issued a reminder to Wyomingites that dumping snow onto roadways and highways is a violation of the law.
WYDOT made the announcement in light of recent winter snow storms, which have dumped heaps of snow across the state.
“According to state statute 35-10-401, anyone who obstructs a public road or highway, common street or alley, public bridge or navigable river in a way that makes it inconvenient or dangerous to pass is breaking the law,” WYDOT said in a statement. “Each violation is punishable by a fine of up to $100 and a jail sentence of up to three months.”
WYDOT said accumulated snow can create blowing snow drifts and visibility problems for drivers, adding to hazardous road conditions. Snow piles can also damage road signs, signposts, guardrails, permitted utilities and highway fencing, not to mention vehicles.
“Imagine hitting a large pile of snow at even just 30 miles an hour in your car,” District Maintenance Engineer Tory Thomas said in a statement. “It’s just plain dangerous.”
WYDOT suggested that landowners redistribute snow on their own property.
“Maintaining public safety is critical when road conditions are already hazardous during winter weather,” WYDOT’s statement said.
