Parked Vehicles and Snow Removal

There's nothing like a bit of extreme weather to create problems for snow removal equipment. All that snow has to be pushed somewhere in order clear the streets for drivers. Vehicles parked on those streets can present a problem.

Facilitate Snow Removal

If you have a driveway the best thing to do is to anticipate the snowfall and stay off of the roads. This will give snow removal equipment all the room that they need to clean as much of the street as they are able to in the circumstances.

You will only have to clean the driveway to have access to the street and you can move the snow to the side.

It is generally illegal to shovel snow onto a sidewalk or the street itself.

I Have to Park on the Street

Are you forced to park in the street? Many municipalities limit the amount of time you can park in one place, usually a maximum of 24 hours. 

Eventually you will have to move your vehicle to allow the street to be cleaned. If you don't do this, police or road maintenance personnel may have your vehicle towed. 

You will be responsible to pay the towing bill in order to get your vehicle back.

Can't Find a Clear Place to Park

What happens if you are out, need to park and the sides of the street are either not cleared or you can't drive into a parking space because it hasn't been cleared well enough? 

Abandoning your vehicle part way or all the way in the traffic lane is not the answer, even if you are only going to be gone for a minute. 

It may be convenient for you but emergency services always need free access. Again, you may be towed for doing this and have to pay an expensive bill.

Causing a Collision

Finally, beware of doing a poor parking job that results in a collision, even one that only involves the vehicles trying to get around yours. 

It is possible that you could be held partially at fault and become involved in an insurance claim.

Learn More

• Where Parking is Prohibited - Section 187 Motor Vehicle Act
• Removal of Parked Vehicle - Section 188 Motor Vehicle Act
• Manner of Parking - Section 190 Motor Vehicle Act

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