Winter Driving in Rhode Island

While RIDOT and municipal public works departments plow and treat the roads, in many communities it is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the sidewalks clear and passable in front of their homes or businesses.

We recommend you contact your local city or town public works department for information on rules and regulations regarding sidewalks. Some communities have laws that require sidewalks to be cleared within a specified time following a storm.

Also, cities and towns often issue parking bans leading up to snowstorms. Your cooperation aids us and municipalities in clearing the roads as quickly and thoroughly as possible. And, it could help you avoid a ticket or tow!

Snow plow operators continually push snow toward the curb line and in some cases into driveways, onto sidewalks or other walkways, and around mailboxes and other fixed objects like fire hydrants. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this inconvenience and additional snow may be deposited onto your driveway more than once until final cleanup is complete.

If possible, clear an area along the shoulder about 10 feet to the left of your driveway (when facing the street). Also, deposit shoveled snow to the right of your driveway, again facing the street. These techniques can minimize re-shoveling when plows make additional passes in front of your home or business. Check out a video on this courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation »

Where it's possible, locating your mailbox to the right side of your driveway can minimize damage from thrown snow.

Please do not shovel or blow snow into the roadway - it can create additional slick areas and hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

Most of the bus stops serviced by RIPTA do not have fixed bus shelters, and the clearing of sidewalks at those stops is the responsibility of the abutting property owners. RIPTA has numerous partnerships to address snow removal at its busiest bus stops and at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. If you have questions about snow removal at a RIPTA stop, contact 401-781-9400.

We plow and treat state-owned commuter parking lots. Maintaining these lots can be challenging, as cars parked prior to a storm impede our ability to clear the lot. We make every effort to keep these lots clear of snow and ice - often visiting them late in the evening when they are empty.

Rhode Island has more than 60 miles of off-road bike paths throughout the state. Maintenance responsibilities vary for our paths, but none are plowed or treated for ice.

We recommend that you use caution when cycling on the paths during winter months. Many of our bikeways have extensive tree canopies, and the same trees that provide cool shade in the heat of the summer limit sunlight and melting in the wintertime. The paths are available for other uses such as snow shoeing, walking and cross-country skiing, but all motorized vehicles including snowmobiles and ATVs are prohibited.