Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | January 23, 2026 | Slip and Fall Accident
When winter weather hits Maryland, snow and ice can quickly create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. Beyond protecting your physical safety, it’s also important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities, especially when it comes to snow and ice removal requirements.
In many Maryland jurisdictions, property owners and occupants are legally required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within a specific timeframe after a storm ends. Failing to comply may lead to fines, violations, and increased risk of injury to others.
Below is a helpful county-by-county guide to snow removal rules across Maryland.
Maryland Sidewalk Snow Removal Laws by County
Anne Arundel County
Property owners and occupants must remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within:
- 24 hours after snowfall ends
- 48 hours after snowfall ends if snowfall exceeds 3 inches
Penalties: Violators may face a misdemeanor offense and fines.
Baltimore City
Property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks in front of:
- Residential or commercial buildings (occupied or vacant)
- Empty lots
Deadline:
- Within 3 hours after snowfall ends OR
- Before 11:00 AM if snow stops between 3:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Snow must also be removed without obstructing water flow in gutters.
Baltimore County
Property owners/occupants must clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within:
- 24 hours after snowfall ends
Snow that is shoveled or plowed must not obstruct gutters or streets.
Calvert County
Property owners or occupants must remove snow from the entire sidewalk length within:
- 24 hours after a snow event
- 72 hours if snowfall exceeds 4 inches
Penalties: Civil fines include:
- $50 for a first violation
- $100 for additional violations
More than three violations may result in the county billing the offender for snow removal services.
Charles County
Property owners are responsible for clearing:
- Driveways and entrances to both residential and commercial properties
Frederick County
Residents and business owners must remove snow from sidewalks along their property within:
- 12 hours after snowfall ends
Penalties: Failure to comply may result in municipal infraction citations.
Howard County
Howard County generally does not maintain sidewalks or remove snow except around county buildings (libraries, county offices, etc.).
Property owners must remove snow from sidewalks within:
- 48 hours after snowfall ends
Multi-unit properties (apartments/condos):
Howard County Code Section 18.402(h)(1) states that the lessor (landlord) must remove snow unless the lease assigns that duty to a tenant occupying the property.
Montgomery County
Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks and walkways on or adjacent to property the person owns, leases, or manages within:
- 24 hours after snowfall ends
This includes public right-of-way walkways.
Commercial properties:
Tenants, property managers, and owners may all share joint responsibility for snow removal.
Multi-family properties/apartments:
Residents are not responsible for snow or ice removal from common walkways or parking areas.
Penalties: Failure to comply can result in a Class C violation.
There are no exceptions for seniors, disability, or being out of town during snowfall.
Prince George’s County
Owners and/or lessors must clear snow and ice from commercial and residential properties within:
- 48 hours after snowfall ends or ice forms
Snow removal applies from:
- The property line to the curb, or
- The property line to the edge of the paved road (in rural settings)
Penalties: Civil fines up to $100 per violation.
St. Mary’s County
Property owners must remove snow/ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within:
- 36 hours after snowfall or frozen precipitation ends
If snow or ice cannot be fully removed, property owners must apply de-icing materials such as:
- Salt
- Chemical solvents
- Other approved materials
The goal is to make the sidewalk safe for pedestrian traffic.
Penalties: Failure to comply may result in civil penalties.
Injured After a Slip and Fall on Snow or Ice? You May Have Legal Options
Even when people try to keep sidewalks and parking lots safe, winter hazards can be unavoidable. Unfortunately, slip and fall injuries are extremely common during Maryland winters, especially on:
- Ice-covered sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Building entrances
- Walkways and common areas
If you or someone you love is injured in a winter slip and fall, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
Steps to Take After a Snow or Ice Slip and Fall (Important Checklist)
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If the injury is serious, call 911 or visit an urgent care or emergency room right away.
Even if you’re unsure how severe the injury is, it’s best to get evaluated. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions or cognitive impairment
- Soft tissue damage
2. Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of:
- The area where you fell
- Uncleared snow or ice
- Lack of salt, warning signs, or safe access points
Also document:
- The date and time
- The exact location
- What you were doing when the fall occurred
3. Identify Witnesses (If Any)
If anyone saw the incident, collect their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Contact information
Even if there are no witnesses, you can still have a valid claim.
4. Report the Incident
Depending on where the fall occurred, file a report with the appropriate party, such as:
- A property owner or manager
- A business supervisor
- A landlord or leasing office
Keep copies of any reports or documentation you receive.
5. Preserve Evidence
If possible, preserve key evidence, including:
- The shoes and clothing you wore
- Receipts for medical care
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
This can help strengthen your case.
6. Write Down What Happened
As soon as possible, write down:
- What led up to the fall
- The moment you slipped
- What happened afterward
- Any symptoms you felt (pain, dizziness, swelling, numbness, etc.)
Small details can matter later.
7. Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident involving snow or ice, the team at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers is here to help. Call (301) 932-9997 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Our skilled personal injury attorneys have represented countless slip and fall victims and know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George’s County, and its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7