Hazardous and potentially illegal: Think twice before passing highway snowplows
Did you know it's illegal to pass formations of snow plows that are clearing Ontario's highways?
Driving with snowplows takes patience, but ultimately they are working to clear the roads for drivers and to make conditions safe during or after a storm.
In Ontario, it's illegal to pass snowplows that are working 'in echelon' to clear the province's highways. By 'in echelon', that means two or more snowplows are working together, arrayed in a diagonal formation across all of the lanes, to clear an entire side of the highway at once.
Snowplows arrange themselves in diagonal formations to more efficiently clear multiple road lanes at once. This is known as working 'in echelon'. (The Weather Network)
The Highway Traffic Act in Ontario was changed on September 15, 2023, to address the improper passing of these snowplow formations.
"What the law says is, you are in no way permitted to be able to pass and cut between those plows," says Staff Sergeant, Ryan Snow with the Halton Regional Police. "There is only one exception, and that is if there is a lane on the road way that is completely unimpeded by snow clearing operations, you can then pass. Otherwise you have to sit and wait."
Passing these snowplow groups is not only extremely dangerous, but it may also cost you. It's a $405 cash fine in Ontario.
"Keep in mind, we have a lot of cameras now where we can go back and secure that evidence," Snow says. "There are also other charges as well, including stunt driving, careless driving, and even dangerous driving under the criminal code. This can lead to a suspension of your license and even impounding of your vehicle."
Snow suggests to always pack your patience while travelling during a storm and to just wait until the plows finish their work, so you can safely get to your destination.
(Editor's note: This article was updated on January 15, 2026, to clarify that the 2023 change to the Highway Code refers to the passing of 'in echelon' formations of snowplows that clear the province's highways, rather than individual snowplows. That said, please exercise caution when passing individual snowplows, as well.)