Although you might be experienced when it comes to cold weather and heavy snow falls, if you have recently moved to Wilmington, you probably had to learn a different set of “snow rules.” With the recent occurrences of challenging winter weather, it certainly seems appropriate to reiterate some snow guidelines for newcomers to our city.

Let’s see how knowledgeable your young drivers are by taking this brief quiz.

#1 How many hours after a snowfall of 6+ inches must your sidewalk be shoveled?

#2 What is the maximum penalty you can be fined, if you do not shovel your sidewalk?

#3 At what temperature does plain salt stop working on snow covered roads?

#4 Are studded car tires legal in Ohio?

#5 Are car tire chains legal in Ohio?

#6 Can you be fined for not cleaning off your car of snow?

Sidewalks belonging to each resident, as well as City sidewalks that attach to your property are considered the owner’s responsibility (or person occupying the premises) for maintenance purposes, including snow.

Following a snow fall of 6 inches or more, snow must be removed within 6 hours of daylight. Owners who do not shovel their sidewalk within that time-frame may be subject to a minor misdemeanor of up to $150.

Sidewalk salting is optional provided that the remaining surface is not slippery to pedestrian traffic. It is interesting to note that according to Carolyn Thompson of the Associated Press, “Plain salt is largely ineffective below 16 degrees.”

Residents that hire snow removal companies to remove snow from their driveway should contain the snow on the owner’s property:

• Do not dump the snow onto the street or onto your neighbor’s property.

• Do not dump the snow onto the ditch directly across the street from your driveway.

• Do not pile the snow so high on the sides of your driveway, so as to reduce visibility to street traffic, as well as to nearby neighbors entering onto the street.

If the space around your mailbox is not easily accessible, mail delivery may be postponed until that space is safe and has been cleared of snow.

Icicles and snow falling from roofs off of a downtown building are the responsibility of the building owner, or person occupying the premises.

It is also interesting to note that according to the AAA Digest of Motor Laws in Ohio, “tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface.”

Regarding the Ohio laws for studded tires, “Studded tires are permitted, Nov. 1 to April 15; April 16 to Oct. 30 if retracted.” Although snow tires are optional in the City of Wilmington, specific tire laws vary from state to state.

For those of you that do not clean off your car of snow (windows and car roofs) in some states you may be fined $250. So do not take a chance by driving your family with your visibility reduced. Clean off your car! Be safe and stay alert!