Rockford City Ordinance: Are You Breaking The Law With Your Snow Blower?

The winter weather has only just begun in Illinois and we recently got hit with our first big snowstorm with plenty more to come so this is something very important you should know about the use of your snow blower.

Bad Timing For Snow In Illinois

Have you ever noticed when we get snow in Illinois, it always comes at the worst time? Not that any time is good. There is always snow when you're trying to get somewhere like to work or coming home.

The worst is when it comes during the middle of the night which seems to happen all the time. That sucks for someone like me that has to get up super early for work. That forces me to wake up sooner and check out the situation.

Rockford City Ordinance For Snow Blowers

Sometimes, I have to go out and snowblow the driveway so I can get to the radio station. I feel bad because most in my neighborhood are still sleeping but I don't have much of a choice. Luckily, my neighbors are far enough away that I don't bother them.

Rockford City Ordinance For Snow Blowers

Am I breaking the law by snow blowing my driveway at 3 am? Recently, I found out that I am disobeying the rules. I just saw a post on the Nextdoor app for my neighborhood. I wonder if it was aimed at me. Hopefully not. I guess I could get a ticket and fine but I don't think the local police are concerned about stuff like that. I guarantee that almost every city in Illinois has the same ordinance.

According to library.municode.com,

It shall be unlawful to operate any power-driven lawn or garden maintenance equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or any snow blower between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. within 600 feet of any building used for residential or hospital purposes.

(Code 1970, § 17-7; Ord. No. 1974-67-O, 4-15-1974; Ord. No. 1990-294-O, 10-1-1990)