Every winter season NLCRPD resources and those of the first response community are tested by someone who makes the choice to disregard posted signs on remote or wild area roadways. These roadways are seasonal travel routes and are subject to limited maintenance during the winter months. “NO WINTER MAINTENANCE” signs should not be ignored during the winter season, or else drivers may find themselves in unpredictable situations during inclement weather.

Specifically, during the winter months and especially when snow is in the forecast or already covering the ground, drivers need to be cognizant for roads that list these signs. The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police have experienced calls for police assistance for stranded or crashed vehicles on this type of posted roadways. The typical person in need of assistance within this scenario falls into general categories of winter four-wheel drive or other car enthusiasts who desire to test performance limits of their vehicles under winter conditions, or those persons taking a short cut or sight seeing of the winter landscape. The NLCRPD is reminding drivers to be aware of roads that are posted “NO WINTER MAINTENANCE”, since drivers may be without any immediate assistance.

There are several roadways that have these signs posted and are generally township-maintained or located within remote conservation districts or game land areas, within the NLCRPD jurisdiction. There is no legal obligation by case law to provide any attempts to assist any manner in concert with the hazards posed to the first response community, circumstances can make for an extended or a delayed response even in the event of an emergency.

If any rescue is needed and completed, violators will face legal and civil penalties, for the costs associated with the rescue efforts.