New Jersey has imposed a mandatory statewide travel ban effective from 9 p.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Monday as a major winter storm approaches. The restriction prohibits all nonexempt vehicles from traveling on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways, with the New Jersey Turnpike being the sole exception.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency at noon Sunday to protect public safety and facilitate snow removal operations. The ban allows exemptions for emergency vehicles, public transportation, snow removal crews, utility workers, health care professionals, and vehicles delivering critical medical supplies. NJ Transit has suspended all service statewide Sunday night.

State police are directing trucks already in New Jersey when the restriction takes effect to pull off at designated areas rather than stopping on highway shoulders. Violators face penalties under state law. Emergency management officials are urging residents to stay off roads unless travel is absolutely essential and to monitor official updates as conditions develop.