Can You Legally Blow Snow Into Your Neighbor’s Yard In Illinois?

There's still a lot of snow lurking around but where can you get rid of it?

Hopefully we're done with the snowfall for awhile but there's still feet of snow hanging around our yards, roads, and sidewalks that we need to clear off. Just this morning, I saw several folks out walking down sidewalks with snowblowers.

A lot of houses are close together and it can be super frustrating when someone blows snow off of their property onto yours, making a mess after you just cleaned it. You don't want to be obnoxious about it but it can be so frustrating.

When Not To Get The Snowblower Out

Now that the snowy shenanigans are done, you don't have much of a reason to break the etiquette that says that you should avoid getting the snowblower out early in the morning or at night. Your best time to do it is anytime 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Illinois Law & Where The Snow Goes

You can't blow snow into your neighbor's yard in Illinois. Or at least you should try not to. Stanley Law Firm says that in Illinois, blowing snow into your neighbor's yard is legally considered trespassing.

In theory, you could sue your neighbor (or your neighbor could sue you) for punitive damages, but unless you have reason to be that petty, it's definitely not worth any kind of effort. The snow will melt, chill. Literally.

Illinois Code does also require that you clean any snow and ice off of your own property or you could be held liable for any damages it causes.

It's cold outside but if you haven't already taken care of the snow outside of your house, I'd start now.