A travel ban has been issued starting at 7 p.m. tonight by Gov. Dan McKee for Rhode Island drivers ahead of blizzard that is expected to wallop the state with more than 20 inches of snow.
In addition to the travel ban, the state has also closed four key bridges – Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Newport Pell Bridge, Sakonnet River Bridge – starting at 7 p.m. Sunday.
“Once the snow starts, our plows need to be able to operate safely,” McKee said. “Let’s make sure that we respect their space to clear the roads − and our first responders, the same thing. Do not drive once the travel ban goes into effect.”
But what exactly does a travel ban mean?
Rhode Island travel ban exact wording
A sign on Interstate 95 warning of blizzard conditions on Feb. 22, 2026.
Here’s the official language in the executive order.
“Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., there shall be a restriction on all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide. These restrictions shall be in effect until further notice. Vehicles transporting emergency supplies and/or emergency personnel shall be exempt from these restrictions. Vehicles permitted to travel under these exceptions will not be permitted to travel over the Newport and Jamestown Bridges when the bridges are closed,” the order said.
While consequences were not outlined in this executive order, in the past Rhode Island officials have said driving during a travel ban can be a misdemeanor under state law.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI travel ban Feb. 22: See exact wording, what it means
