Article 1219 of New York State VTL prohibits plowing, shoveling, or blowing snow into a street or highway. This law also covers other items likely to pose a hazard to motorists, including glass, nails, wire, cans, etc. Fines for a first offense include up to a $150 fine and/or 15 days in jail, plus applicable surcharges.
This law also stipulates that anyone who places or permits to be placed upon any highway any material which interferes with the safe use of the highway shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. This includes snow! If you are a homeowner and you hire a person to plow your driveway, and you permit him/her to plow the snow into the road, you could be cited under this law.
Please also be advised that clearing snow and debris from sidewalks is the homeowner’s responsibility. Homeowners and businesses that fail to provide clear passage on sidewalks are subject to local fines.