Short answer: yes. Section 181 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act says nobody can put snow or ice on a roadway without written permission from the road authority. The Act's general penalty is a fine of $60 to $1,000, and it can be issued to the property owner or to the contractor who did it. Cities add their own rules on top.
Why it's illegal
A pile of shovelled snow on the road is a hazard. It narrows the lane, freezes into a hard ridge, and covers the salt that plows just spread. It also lands right back in your driveway when the next plow comes through, so it doesn't even help.
What it costs in the GTA
- Anywhere in Ontario: $60 to $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act.
- Toronto: the City lists a fine of $500 plus a $110 surcharge for putting shovelled snow on the road or sidewalk. More in what's the fine for not shovelling in Toronto.
- Mississauga: the City says placing snow from your driveway onto the road is illegal under its Obstructing Highways By-law and can bring a penalty. See Mississauga's winter rules.
- Oakville: the Highway Traffic Act applies, and the Town asks you to pile snow on your own property. See Oakville's winter rules.
Where your snow can go
- On your own lawn or garden beds, away from the sidewalk.
- On the right side of the driveway as you face the street, so the plow, which throws snow to the right, doesn't push it back across your driveway.
- Not over fire hydrants or catch basins. Keep both clear so meltwater can drain and firefighters can find the hydrant.
- Not on the sidewalk or onto a neighbour's property.
It applies to snow companies too
The fine can go to whoever put the snow there, including a contractor. A plow or snowblower that throws your driveway into the street is the fastest way to clear it, and it's against the law. Ask any company you hire where they put the snow.
We clear with snowblowers and shovels and place the snow on your property, away from the road, the sidewalk and your walkway, with a photo after every visit. That's also why it doesn't melt and refreeze across your path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to shovel snow into the street in Ontario?
Yes. Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act bans putting snow or ice on a roadway without written permission from the road authority.
How much is the fine?
Under the Highway Traffic Act's general penalty, $60 to $1,000. Toronto lists $500 plus a $110 surcharge for putting shovelled snow on the road or sidewalk.
Can I push snow onto the boulevard?
Keep it on your own property and off the sidewalk. If your city clears the sidewalk, snow piled on it gets in the way of their equipment.
What about the snowbank the city plow leaves at my driveway?
That windrow is yours to clear, and you can't throw it back onto the road. Mississauga now clears a gap in it for you. More in the driveway windrow problem.
Want it cleared without breaking any rules? Home Bros runs seasonal snow routes in Mississauga and Oakville, with salting after every clear. See your seasonal price, or book a one-time visit anywhere else in the GTA.