Snow Removal Rules in Michigan: Know When to Shovel

So far this season, Michiganders have had some big snowfalls. Nothing too crazy — but enough inches have fallen to require snow removal

Hopefully everyone is staying safe out there while shoveling snow. Remember: take it slow and keep your shovel low.

In addition to keeping safety tips in mind for your health, it's also important to keep snow removal laws in mind.

Photo by Mike Cox on Unsplash

Of course, it's the kind and neighborly thing to do to shovel the snow from your sidewalk. But, it's also the law.

Snow Removal Laws in Michigan

If you'd like to avoid tickets and fines this winter, here's what you need to know about snow removal laws in Michigan.

While Michigan doesn't have a statewide law that determines how much time you have to shovel snow from your sidewalks, most local ordinances give you 24 hours after snowfall ends.

If you don't remove the snow within 24 hours, you could receive a violation notification that gives you one more day before you receive a ticket and/or a fine. The City of Lansing has a minimum fine of $149.

Also keep in mind where you pile that snow when shoveling. Michigan does have a code that prohibits "the obstruction of safety vision by removal of deposit of snow, ice, or slush." Basically, this means don't pile your snow up at the end of your driveway where it can reduce visibility for other vehicles to see you.

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Finally, while there is no exact statewide law on when you can or cannot use your snow blower, most places have local noise ordinances. Quiet hours in Michigan typically run from 11 pm to 7 pm. So, just don't start snow blowing before 7 o'clock in the morning.

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