Notices

STATEMENT: Wisconsin Statute 346.94(5) prohibits anyone from placing or causing to be placed upon a highway any foreign substance which is or may be injurious to any vehicle. This prohibits anyone from plowing, shoveling or blowing snow onto a public road. A penalty for violating this statute is $50.00 for each offense. Additionally, Section 86.002 makes is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine to place any obstruction in a road ditch which will impede drainage. As such individuals should not be filling ditches with compacted snow. Furthermore, piles of snow placed in a ditch or shoulder of the road can cause sight distance, drifting and equipment damage problems.

POLICY: The town will attempt to give notice of this Statute and the problems which it causes in tax statements, on the town website, or postings. If a resident is creating this type of hazard the town may also attempt to make contact in person or by letter to point out how dangerous this practice is if not discontinued or corrected. We believe however that these notices are only intended to help property owners. Property owners are expected to be aware of and know the law. The town is not required to give prior notice. Law enforcement can and will levy fines upon discovery.

ALSO: If the snow/ice left on the roadway or obstruction of drainage is reported as creating a hazard to the traveling public the town may have to send equipment out to remove the snow/ice directly. The actual cost the town incurs for that type of response may be billed directly to the property owner.