> In the event of snowfall you are legally bound to clear the snow from the vicinity of your residence prior to 0700. If you don't and a pedestrian slips on the sidewalk you are liable for the damages. You could always tell the Brits because they refused to do it or begrudgingly complied.
From your residence (i.e., not store/business/etc)?
by 0700?
What if you're away on vacation, too frail to safely clear the snow, or you just never in your life want to be awake before 7am if humanly possible?
Allowances are made in certain situations (vacations etc). Normally more able-bodied neighbours help elderly and disabled residents.
Not wanting to be awake before 7am is not tolerated. I am serious. The legislation is so ingrained that German people pay for separate insurance to cover them in case an individual has an accident on their sidewalk during winter conditions.
What is really interesting the strong sense of community-inclusion. The idea of someone not wanting to pitch in and help the street function normally is just not understood.
As an aside (anecdotally I grant you and wildly tangential) the community has benefits. I could go to the pub and my drinks would be recorded on my beer mat which I left behind the bar clearing the bill when I had the means to do so. Local vets could go weeks or months before a resident would pay their bill because it was an inclusive community of trust.
I saw similar attitudes in the smaller rural communities of mid-west and southern USA. In Germany it is just more widespread.
So, if you are the guy who doesn't clear his sidewalk you are the guy that gets no favours or trust. And potentially a lawsuit.
From your residence (i.e., not store/business/etc)?
by 0700?
What if you're away on vacation, too frail to safely clear the snow, or you just never in your life want to be awake before 7am if humanly possible?