Snow Emergency Parking Ban

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 311.07 and 311.08, the County Sheriff may declare a snow emergency and temporarily close all or certain highways, roads, and streets within his jurisdiction when such action is reasonably necessary for the preservation of the public peace.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, the Sheriff may temporarily close all or certain highways, roads, and streets within Lorain County. This authority applies to federal and state highways, county and township roads, and municipal streets, as confirmed by Ohio Attorney General Opinion 97-015 (April 1, 1997).

Obeying Snow Emergency Orders

Any person who knowingly fails to obey or interferes with a lawful Snow Emergency order issued by the Sheriff may face criminal charges under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.13 – Misconduct at an Emergency.

Penalties

Any person who knowingly hampers or fails to obey a lawful order of the sheriff declaring a snow emergency and temporarily closing highways, roads and/or streets within his/her jurisdiction may be subject to criminal prosecution under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.13, “Misconduct at an emergency” or other applicable law or ordinance. A violation under that section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 30 days and/or a fine not to exceed $250. If the misconduct creates a risk of physical harm to persons or property, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a jail sentence not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.