The Wyoming Department of Transportation is reminding the public that it's illegal to put snow on state highways.

WYDOT says it has received many reports this month across southeast Wyoming of people pushing snow into the traffic lanes.

"Piling or depositing of snow in WYDOT’s right of way not only reduces line of sight visibility, but also creates other hazards such as drifting, and potential road obstructions,” Laramie Area Maintenance Supervisor Eric Anderson said in a press release.

"Large piles of snow adjacent to the roadway can melt and contribute to areas of unexpected slick spots, creating hazards on an otherwise dry roadway," District 1 Maintenance Engineer Tim Morton added.

According to state statute, putting snow on a state highway could land you a $100 fine and three months in jail.


Wyoming Statute 35-10-401. Obstructing or injuring highways, streets, bridges or navigable streams generally; offensive manufactures or businesses; pollution of waters.

(b) Whoever, in any manner, wrongfully obstructs any public highway, or injures any bridge, culvert, or embankment, or injures any material used in the construction of any such road, shall be fined in any sum not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), to which may be added imprisonment in the county jail not more than three (3) months.


"While finding appropriate solutions to snow removal can be a challenge, be sure to remove snow responsibly, not to cause hazards to the traveling public," WYDOT said.

 

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