Thing to know about snow removal
By: Kyle Morel
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... The winter season officially began lest than a month ago, [12/2024] but parts of North Jersey have already experienced a few bouts of snow.
.....
While some people love the picturesque sight of fresh snow, others find the winter weather too much of a hassle to enjoy. those thoughts eyer especially prevalent when people have to shovel in the aftermath of a storm.
..... Aside from begin a nuance, shoveling is in many cases a requirement for residents unwilling to risk fine or lawsuit resulting from an injury. So the next time some measurable snow falls, here is what to know to avoid any legal trouble.
Who clears snow form the sidewalk?
..... The responsibility of cleaning a public sidewalk under New Jersey law depends on who owns the property, according to The Law Offices of Micheal P. Burakoff, a Morristown-based personal injury attorney.
.....
It is the owner's duty to remove snow and ice from any sidewalks on a commercial property, Burakoff said on the firm's website. An owner who fails to do so is liable for any injuries sustained after slipping in the area.
.....
On a residential property, property owned who shovel out the sidewalk would not be at fault for a pedestrians injury "unless their negligence creates another hazard," Burakoff said.
..... However, local governing bodies can set their own rules that differ from state statutes, Burakoff said. For example, a law may state that a property owner can be fined but not sued if a pedestrian slips and falls, and some municipalities remove precipitation and charge the owner afterward.
..... Because of these differences, resident should be familiar with laws in their town in addition to the state guidelines.
How long can I wait to shovel?
..... New Jersey law features the "ongoing storm rule," adopted in 2021 as the result of the state Supreme Court case Pareja v. Princeton International Properties. The rule states that landowners are not required to clear public walkways "until a reasonable time after the cessation of precipitation."
..... As for substitutes a "reasonable time," this is another instance in which the law varies by town. Jersey City guild lines require sidewalk clearance after four hours for business owners and eight hours for residential owners, while in North Haledon, residents have 24 hours to clear the sidewalk.
..... The width of the cleared sidewalk also fluctuate among municipalities. Jersey City requires a path at least 48 inches wide, while Fair Lawn;s minimum is 30 inches and Wayne's is 36.
Snow removal from cars laws
..... The sidewalk isn't the only place New Jerseyans must clear following a snowstorm. State law requires motorists to remove all ice and snow form their vehicle's hood, windows and roof before driving.
.....
Drives who fail to clean snow can be fined $25 to $75 per offense regardless of whether the precipitation comes of the vehicle, according to the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. If flying ice or snow causes injury or property damage, the financial penalty can increase to anywhere between $200 and $1,000.
Clear space for mail carriers
..... Although it may not be a resident;s first thought following a snowstorm, the U.S. Postal Service reminds property owners to crate a path to their mailbox. This keeps mail carries safe and ensures they promptly deliver letters and packages.
..... "It takes more than a few flakes to deter letter carriers from making their appointed rounds, "that agency's Northern New Jersey district reminded customers in a 2021 news release. "But, if they cannot reach your mailbox, they cannot deliver your mail.
..... Residents should keep roadside mailboxes clear of snow and other obstacles, like trash can and cars, so carries can make deliveries without leaving their vehicle. the area should be cleared in a "half-moon" shape for full careerer viability, the USPS said.