Rhode Island Driving Laws
Information on Rhode Island driving laws and Rhode Island traffic laws...
Driving Laws You Should Know
As a driver in Rhode Island it is your responsibility to know all motor vehicle laws. Some of the most important ones are listed below:
Drivers of motor vehicles in Rhode Island are permitted, not required, to turn right at a red light after a full stop unless there is a "No turn on red" sign posted. Drivers must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Children less than six years old must be properly restrained and transported in the back seat of a motor vehicle.
In accordance with Rhode Island driving laws, children who are less than four years old must be transported in a federally approved restraint seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Follow instructions for use described in the restraint seat manual for age and weight.
Seat belt use by the driver and passengers is required.
Be alert to stop for school buses with flashing red lights.
You must begin to use your directional signals for a distance of at least 100 feet before making turns. Slow down gradually before turns to avoid being hit from the rear.
In the absence of signs or signals, when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways or streets at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
In accordance with Rhode Island driving laws, you must turn on vehicle lights when driving any time from sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see 500 feet ahead of you. A helpful guide is to remember to turn on the lights when it starts to get dark, and if driving early in the morning, to have the lights on until there is daylight. Headlights must also be turned on if it is raining or snowing or in conditions which would reduce visibility to less than 500 feet ahead.
State law in Rhode Island makes the motorist responsible for removing from the vehicle snow and ice that limit vision and for clearing away from the roof of the car any snow that might blow down on the windshield or windows or onto the windshield of other cars.
All persons driving on the state's public roads must carry motor vehicle liability insurance. When you obtain or renew your vehicle registration, you must sign a statement that you have liability insurance on your vehicle and will keep this insurance for the full registration period. Proof of insurance must be carried in your car along with the registration at all times.
It is a violation of Rhode Island traffic laws to litter public or private roadways or property.
You are required by Rhode Island driving laws to reduce your speed and refrain from sounding a horn or causing other loud noises when approaching a horse being driven or ridden on a public highway.
Drivers in Rhode Island are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing earphones or headsets.
If stopped by a law enforcement officer, in accordance with Rhode Island driving laws you are required upon request to display your driver's license and vehicle registration card. Further, upon request, you are required to write your name in the presence of that officer for the purposes of being identified.
If a law enforcement officer tells you to exit your vehicle, you are required by Rhode Island traffic laws to do so.
If stopped by a law enforcement officer at night, a motorist is required to turn on the vehicles interior lights and leave them on until the officer allows the driver to go on.
For more information on Rhode Island driving laws, please visit the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
If you found this Rhode Island driving laws page to be helpful,
please share this page with others:
