12/15/2025
NYS MAILBOX LAW Highway law section 319
"legal status" mailboxes are highway obstructions placed by convenience not right.
"responsibility" property owners bear the risk of damage from snow removal, the town isn't legally required to fix them notes the NYS Attorney General
"snowplows" must clear 15' from center line, anything further in is at risk
"placement" mailbox must be 42" clear space under the box arm for plows
"post" must be strong enough to resist snow but designed to break away if hit, 4x4 wood or 2"pipe
NYS LAW - TRAFFIC LAW "VTL" SECTION 1219
prohibits pushing, plowing or blowing snow from private property onto public roads, streets or sidewalks, as it creates hazards and is punishable by fines and/or jail time.
"why its illegal" depositing snow in the road creates dangerous conditions for drivers, hidden ice/limited sight interference with public travel and diminishes the work of highway crews
"penalties" violators can face a fine of up to $150.00 and/or up to 15 days in jail. Property owners could also be held financially liable if someone is harmed due to snow placed on the road.
"applies to all" this applies to plowing, shoveling or blowing snow onto the street or shoulder
"in summery" when cleaning snow from your driveway always deposit it onto your own property, not into the street to avoid breaking the law and creating dangerous situations.
THIS IS BEING POSTED BY THE ACTING HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT, JAMES MURPHY. We have started out winter very strong with a lot of accumulating snow. There is a lot of winter left. When you deposit snow into the road it is very dangerous for not only vehicles but for snow plow truck drivers because the snow you push to the edge of the road in big piles, the wing on the truck hits the big piles causing broken wing cables, broken push arms which costs the taxpayers more money. It also puts our plow routes behind schedule when things break. Everyone will be receiving a copy of these laws in their tax bill.
If there are any questions or concerns feel free to give me a call at 315-404-1240.
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