Massachusetts Travel Ban — LIFTED as of 12:00 PM ET, Tuesday February 24, 2026
Gov. Maura Healey lifted the non-essential travel ban for Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Dukes counties at noon on Tuesday, February 24.
Residents of those counties are still advised to use caution and stay home if possible until all cleanup efforts are over.
What's Still in Effect
The state of emergency remains in effect for all counties except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin. Several communities — including New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, and others — still have local travel restrictions and parking bans in place.
Boston: Boston's parking ban for main streets remains in effect until at least 6:00 PM Tuesday.
Road Conditions
Several vehicles remained stranded on Route 24 in Somerset as of Tuesday morning. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said most stranded cars have been towed, and owners are expected to call state police to retrieve them.
Healey urged drivers: roads remain icy, snow-covered, and slushy — use caution if you must travel.
Travel Ban County Summary
| County | State Travel Ban | Local Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | Lifted 12 PM ET | Some local bans remain |
| Plymouth | Lifted 12 PM ET | Some local bans remain |
| Barnstable (Cape Cod) | Lifted 12 PM ET | Check locally |
| Dukes (Martha's Vineyard) | Lifted 12 PM ET | Check locally |
| All other eastern MA counties | Never banned | State of Emergency still active |
| Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin | State of Emergency lifted | No restrictions |
What Was Banned
The Massachusetts travel ban prohibited all non-essential motor vehicle travel. Exemptions covered emergency responders, health care workers, and people supporting critical infrastructure and services. Violators faced a $500 fine.
For the latest local conditions in your town, check mass.gov, your city or town's official website, or call 511 for road conditions.
