The Unwritten Snow Rules of New Hampshire (and What Happens If Your Car Is on the Street)

I was sitting in my office on Monday afternoon, and my boss came in and said that the roads were getting pretty bad, and I might want to leave.

I had no idea it was even snowing. I looked out of my window, and there was 4 inches of snow; wet, heavy snow.

Then I watched it snow most of the evening sitting in my apartment.

Nobody gives you a handbook when you move to New Hampshire… but there are definitely some unwritten snow rules you learn pretty quickly. Usually, the hard way.

Be sure to ask questions of the locals.

First, I learned that street parking is risky during snowstorms. Many New Hampshire towns enforce overnight parking bans during storms so plows can clear the roads.

So, what happens if your car stays there? You might get ticketed. It could get towed. Or worse… plowed in by a 4-foot snowbank. Locals know this rule instinctively.

Second, the plow truck always wins. If a plow is coming, you move. No debate. No hesitation. No “maybe I can squeeze by.” Those trucks are clearing roads for everyone.

Third, your driveway will get filled back in. This is a universal New Hampshire truth. You shovel your driveway. The plow comes by. Now there’s a 3-foot wall of snow at the end of your driveway again. (Insert eye roll emoji) You sigh… and shovel it again.

READ MORE: NHDOT Names Snowplow After One of our Favorite New Hampshire TV Meteorologists

Fourth, clear the snow off your car. Not just the windshield. The whole car. Because if that snow flies off your roof on Route 16 and hits someone behind you, people will absolutely call you out. You might find out you’re No. 1 pretty quickly. New Hampshire actually has “Jessica’s Law,” which requires drivers to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. The law was created after a deadly accident caused by flying ice on I-95. Bottom line: brush off the roof, not just the windshield.

Finally, if your neighbor is snow-blowing, offer to help. This is one of those quiet New England things that you just do. You don’t have to say much. Just wave. Maybe help clear the end of their driveway or the top of their car. I’m kinda short with a tall truck. I may need help, too!

What did I miss? What’s the No. 1 snowstorm rule everyone should know?

Send me a message on the station app or drop it on Facebook.