Here's What You Can Get Fined For In Toronto If You're Caught Slacking When It Snows
Failing to clear snow from your car could cost you $110!
As the province continues to ride out the aftermath of the major snowstorm it just experienced, and blankets of snow still cover the roads and sidewalks, Torontonians may want to keep up with seasonal bylaws that can result in some pretty steep fines.
From not shovelling the sidewalk on time to parking in the wrong spot, here are some of the penalties that Torontonians could face when it snows.
Driving with snow on your car
One of the basic 101s of winter driving is to make sure to sweep the snow off the car before hitting the road. Drivers who don't clear the snow or ice off of their car could face fines and could even get demerit points.
Back at it. First 6 cars stopped no clear view to front or rear. \nDrivers charged. 2 demerit points $110 fine. \nLots of excuses including hands was cold. \nGive yourself time to warm up and clear the windows of your vehicle. \nVisibility is important.\n#PappysTips #WINTER #Clearpic.twitter.com/cL0MzEVTxN— PCPapadopoulos (@PCPapadopoulos) 1641227959
Earlier this month, Toronto police Constable Kirk Papadopoulos shared a tweet of himself clearing ice off of the windshield of a stopped car. According to the officer, the driver received two demerit points and a $110 fine.
Parking on a snow route
Earlier this week, the City of Toronto reminded residents that parking on a designated snow route when a major snow storm condition is declared is not allowed for a period of 72 hours. Those that do could face a $200 fine.
"The City's Transportation Services division is responsible for moving vehicles that delay crews or hinder snow-clearing operations, even when a major snow storm condition has not been declared or when a vehicle is legally parked. In such instances, vehicles are usually towed to an adjacent street," the City said in a news release on January 17.
Illegally parked cars may be tagged, towed and impounded, the City warns.
Not shovelling your walkway
While there's no doubt it's a serious pain to shovel the sidewalk when there's a suffocating amount of snow, there are fines for failing to clear the walkway on time.
"The fine for not clearing snow from public property is $105 plus $30 surcharge, total of $135," according to the City's website.
Both homeowners to business owners have to clear their sidewalks of snow or ice within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall.
Dumping snow onto the road
Torontonians shovelling their walkways should be mindful of where they move their snow.
According to the City, anyone who plows or shovels snow onto the road could face a fine of up to $5,000.
"This is a safety hazard that can hinder and delay the City's snow clearing operations," City officials said.
Driving too fast on a snowmobile
But the winter fines aren't just for not clearing snow. Speeding tickets can be issued to those going too fast on a snowmobile.
Snowmobiler going 123km/h in a 50km/h zone in #HaliburtonForest stopped by #OPPSAVE conducting patrols. Riding responsibly not only protects you, but also other trail users. Speed limit on OFSC trails is 50km/h. Please ride attentively, respectful and lawfully. #SlowDown ^rl/gppic.twitter.com/koNhdCm4BD— OPP Central Region (@OPP Central Region) 1642021634
According to Ontario's Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, the speed limits for snowmobiles are 20 km/h and 50 km/h depending on the speed limit of the road they are driving on or whether they are in a park or on a trail. Not following the limits could lead to a fine of up to $1,000.