Laws You Must Know

It is your responsibility as a driver in Rhode Island to know all motor vehicle laws. Some of the most important ones are listed below:

  1. Drivers of motor vehicles in Rhode Island are permitted, but 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 first yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians before making their turn.
  2. Children who are less than eight (8) 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.
  3. Seat belt use by the driver and passengers is required.
  4. Be alerted to stops for school buses with flashing red lights.
  5. You must begin to use your directional signals a minimum distance of at least 100 feet before making turns or changing lanes. Slow down gradually before turning to avoid being hit from the rear.
  6. In the absence of signs or signals, when two (2) 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 rightof-way to the vehicle on the right.
  7. You must turn on vehicle headlights when driving any time from sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see 500 feet ahead of you. Headlights must be turned on if it is raining or snowing (inclement weather) or in conditions which would reduce visibility to less than 500 feet. Headlights must be on anytime windshield wipers are on.
  8. Rhode Island law makes the motorist responsible for removing from the vehicle snow and ice that limit vision and for clearing away from the roof of the vehicle any snow that might blow down on the windshield or windows of other vehicles.
  9. 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 ($500 fine for failure to comply) must be carried in your vehicle along with the registration at all times. You must also certify upon obtaining or renewing your driver’s license that you understand that you must carry proof of insurance when you drive a motor vehicle in the State of Rhode Island.
  10. Littering: It is a violation of Rhode Island law to litter on public or private roadways or property ($85 to $1000 dollar fine).
  11. You are required by Rhode Island law to reduce your speed and refrain from sounding a horn or causing other loud noises when approaching a horse being driven or ridden upon a public highway.
  12. Drivers in Rhode Island are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway while wearing earphones or headsets.
  13. If stopped by a law enforcement officer, you are required upon request to display your driver’s license and vehicle registration card, and proof of insurance. Further, upon request by a law enforcement officer, you are required to write your name in the presence of that officer for the purpose of being identified.
  14. If a law enforcement officer requests you exit your vehicle, you must do so.
  15. If stopped by a law enforcement officer at night, a motorist is required to turn on the vehicle’s interior lights and leave them on until the officer allows the driver to drive off.
  16. All laws are subject to change and, as a driver, you are responsible for the safety of all occupants in your vehicle.

Common Motor Vehicle Violations – Fine Schedule

The following fines are subject to change through statute:

Violation
Statute
Fine
Driving with expired registration
31-3-32
85.00
Driving on expired license
31-10-30
85.00
Obedience to devices (i.e., red light, directional arrows, etc.)
31-13-04
85.00
Eluding traffic light
31-13-6(3)(i)
85.00
Operator left of center
31-15-3
85.00
Overtaking on left
31-15-4
85.00
Overtaking on right
31-15-5(a)
85.00
Clearance for overtaking
31-15-6
85.00
Places where overtaking prohibited
31-15-7
85.00
No passing zone
31-15-8
85.00
Following too closely
31-15-12
85.00
Manner of turning at intersection
31-16-2
85.00
Turn signal required
31-16-5
85.00
Time of signaling turn
31-16-6
85.00
Obedience to stop signs
31-17-4
85.00
Right of way [to pedestrians] in crosswalks
31-18-3
85.00
Safety belt/Child restraint violation
31-22-22(a)
85.00
Times when lights required
31-24-1
85.00
No inspection sticker
31-38-3
85.00
1-10 miles per hour (mph) in excess of posted speed limit
95.00 + 10.00 per mile in excess of speed limit
11 mph in excess of posted speed limit
200.00 minimum
Wireless Communication Devices (Cell phone)(minors)
31-22-11.9
100.00 minimum

 

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