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Rhode Island Imposes Strict Travel Ban as Snow Looms
24 Feb
Summary
- A statewide travel ban took effect Sunday at 7 p.m.
- Four major bridges were closed to traffic by the state.
- Driving during the ban could be considered a misdemeanor.
Rhode Island issued a statewide travel ban on Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. This measure was put in place to ensure safe operations for plows and emergency personnel during an approaching snowstorm. Governor McKee stressed the importance of heeding the ban, stating, "Let's make sure that we respect their space to clear the roads."
In conjunction with the travel restriction, four significant bridges were closed to traffic: the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Newport Pell Bridge, and Sakonnet River Bridge. The executive order specifies that all motor vehicle travel is prohibited on all state roads until further notice.
While the executive order itself did not detail specific penalties for violations, state officials have previously indicated that driving during such a ban could constitute a misdemeanor offense under Rhode Island law. Exemptions were made for vehicles carrying emergency supplies or personnel, though these were still prohibited from using the Newport and Jamestown Bridges when closed.
