Got a Ticket During the RI Blizzard? Know Your Rights

Charged during the state of emergency? Don’t pay that ticket — explore your legal options first.

The Blizzard of 2026 buried Rhode Island under nearly 38 inches of snow, shattering records set by the Blizzard of ’78 and leaving more than 50,000 homes without power. Governor McKee declared a state of emergency, imposed a statewide travel ban, and the Rhode Island State Police issued more than 40 citations to drivers on the roads. If you were one of them, that ticket could carry consequences far beyond an $85 fine.

Maybe you were an essential worker heading to a hospital shift. Maybe a family member needed emergency help. Whatever your reason for driving during the RI blizzard, you deserve to understand your rights. The experienced team at Marin & Murphy Law Firm is ready to review your case — at no cost to you.

Key Takeaways

• State Police issued 40+ citations for travel ban violations during the Blizzard of 2026, responded to 269 disabled vehicles, and handled 25 crashes.
• First offense carries an $85 fine — repeat violations can result in arrest.
• Legitimate defenses may include essential worker status, medical emergencies, or insufficient notice.
• Deadlines matter. Waiting too long limits your options and can lead to additional penalties.
• Marin & Murphy has defended over 2,500 cases across Rhode Island — call for a free consultation.

Common Tickets Issued During the Rhode Island Blizzard

Your citation likely falls into one of these categories:

• Travel ban violation — Driving during the governor’s declared state of emergency ($85 first offense, arrest possible for repeat offenses).
• Reckless driving — A criminal charge under R.I.G.L. §31-27-4, carrying up to one year in jail.
• Speeding — Fines and insurance increases follow a conviction.
• Other traffic violations — Failure to obey traffic control devices, lane violations, or operating without proper equipment.

Some of these — particularly reckless driving — are criminal offenses that go on your permanent record. Treating any blizzard-related ticket casually is a mistake you cannot afford.

RI Blizzard Defense Checklist: You May Have Options

Not every citation from the Blizzard of 2026 will hold up in court. Here are key factors an attorney will evaluate:

✔ Essential Worker Status — The executive order exempted emergency personnel and those transporting emergency supplies. State Police confirmed they used discretion for essential workers.

✔ Medical or Family Emergency — Responding to a medical crisis or checking on a vulnerable family member may provide a valid defense.

✔ Lack of Adequate Notice — Some drivers, including tractor-trailer operators crossing from Connecticut, were unaware Rhode Island’s ban remained active after neighboring states lifted theirs.

✔ Timing and Circumstances — Were you already driving when the ban took effect? Were conditions actually manageable at your location?

✔ Insufficient Evidence — Was the stop properly conducted and fully documented?

Each case is different — but there may be more to your defense than you realize.

Why Acting Quickly Is Critical

A blizzard ticket might seem minor, but consequences escalate fast if ignored:

• Fines and surcharges beyond the initial $85
• Impact on your driving record for speeding or reckless driving
• Insurance rate increases costing hundreds or thousands over several years
• License suspension for failure to respond
• A criminal record if your citation involved reckless driving

Rhode Island traffic courts have strict response deadlines. Missing a court date can trigger default judgments, additional fines, or bench warrants. The longer you wait, the fewer options remain.

Your Immediate Action Plan

Step 1: Do NOT pay the fine. Paying is an admission of guilt. You lose the right to contest the charges.

Step 2: Gather documentation. Save your ticket, photos, work schedules, text messages, and medical records — anything that establishes why you were driving.

Step 3: Write down what happened. Note the time, location, road conditions, your reason for driving, and everything the officer said during the stop.

Step 4: Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Deadlines apply. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, identify defenses, and handle the process for you.

Why Marin & Murphy Is Your Go-To Defense

Attorney Matthew Marin and Attorney Stefanie Murphy bring over 40 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case. Together, they have successfully defended more than 2,500 clients across Rhode Island — including traffic violations, reckless driving charges, and complex cases requiring aggressive legal strategies.

Their reputation is backed by a 5.0 Google rating from over 438 client reviews. Both attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National College for DUI Defense, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. With offices in East Greenwich, Cranston, Providence, South Kingstown, and Cumberland, help is always nearby.