Cellular Phone Usage – Personal Wireless Communications Devices

Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a personal wireless communication device commonly call a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, per R.I.G.L. 31-22-11.8, 31-22-11.9, 31-22-30 and 31-22-31. This includes a prohibition from using a hands-free device or speakerphone. The only time a minor is permitted to use a cell phone is in an emergency. If you are under 18, do not use a cell phone unless you have an emergency. If you have an emergency, pull to a safe location, and call 911.

Using a personal wireless communication device while driving is a major distraction to the operator of a motor vehicle. If you do use a cellular phone, take the following precautions:

  1. Decide if you really need to make/receive a call while driving.
  2. Have a passenger place the call or dial the wireless communication device when stopped.
  3. Pull off the road and in a safe location.
  4. Try not to allow wireless communications to affect your emotions, as this may affect your driving.
  5. Purchase hands free, Bluetooth or speaker type wireless communication devices. (Hands free is not risk free)
  6. Try to avoid using wireless communication devices, if possible.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING IS FORBIDDEN IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND!

Evidence suggests that text messaging (or texting) often requires the driver to both look at the wireless communication device and manipulate the keypad with one’s hand.

Wireless communication device penalties you need to know:

If you are a minor (less than 18 years of age), you are NOT allowed to use a cellular phone while driving, as stated in Rhode Island General Law § 31-22-11.9.

If you are found to be in violation of the law after a court appearance,

You are subject to the following penalties:

  • First Offense = $100.00 fine
  • Second Offense = $150.00 fine
  • Third and subsequent offences = $250.00 fine + lose license until 18 years of age.

TEXTING PENALTIES

No matter the age, you are NOT allowed to use a wireless handset to compose, read or send text message while operating a motor vehicle, as stated by Rhode Island General Law § 31-22-30.

If you are found to be in violation of the law, you are subject to the following penalties:

  • First offense = $100 fine
  • Second offense = $150 fine
  • Third and subsequent offences = $250 fine

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