Warwick, RI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 70-162(a) makes it unlawful for any motor vehicle to be parked or left standing on any part of a sidewalk or sidewalk area. Section 70-163(a) separately bars the owner, operator, tenant, or person in charge of any abutting premises from obstructing, permitting the obstruction of, or failing to prevent the obstruction of the sidewalk, whether that obstruction comes from parked vehicles or from goods, wares, merchandise, or other objects placed there. Section 70-163(b) specifically forbids depositing or piling snow, by hand, machine, or vehicle, onto the abutting sidewalk, and treats each day the pile remains as a separate offense.

Section 70-163(d) makes the property owner ultimately responsible for compliance regardless of who caused the obstruction, and any fines or enforcement costs become a lien against the property with the same priority and collection rights as a real estate tax lien. Section 70-164 exempts utility poles, city- or state-installed traffic and street signposts, and USPS-maintained mailboxes from being treated as obstructions. 00, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.