Rhode Island · Handbook chapter 8 · 3 min read

Key Rhode Island traffic laws from the manual: right on red, right-of-way, headlights, snow removal, insurance, earphones, horses, fines, tire tread, window tint and equipment checks.

Why this chapter matters

The manual collects the laws every Rhode Island driver is expected to know in one list. Each is a short, testable rule, and some come with fixed fines.

The core laws

• Right on red is allowed, not required, after a full stop, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. Yield to all traffic and pedestrians first.
• Belts are required for the driver and all passengers.
• Signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, and slow down gradually.
• At an intersection with no signs or signals, when two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the one on the right.
• Headlights from sunset to sunrise, whenever you cannot see 500 feet ahead, when it is raining or snowing, and whenever your wipers are on.
• You must clear snow and ice that blocks your view, and snow on the roof that could blow onto other vehicles.
• Liability insurance is required. Carry proof of insurance and the registration in the vehicle; failing to carry proof can bring a $500 fine.
• Littering on public or private roads or property carries a $500 fine.
• Near a horse being ridden or driven on the road, slow down and do not sound the horn or make loud noise.
• You may not drive wearing earphones or a headset.
• If stopped by police, show your license and registration on request, and at night turn on your interior lights. Get out of the vehicle if the officer tells you to.

Fines in the manual

Most listed moving violations, such as running a red light, following too closely, failing to signal or ignoring a STOP sign, carry $75 fines. A belt or child restraint violation is $85. Speeding 1 to 10 mph over is $85. For 11 mph or more over, the schedule prints a $195.00 minimum together with $10.00 per mile over the limit. (Fines can change by statute.)

Equipment you must maintain

• Tires: you may not drive on tires with less than 3/32 inch of tread. Do not mix radial and bias-belted tires. Check pressure when tires are cold.
• Airbags work with belts, not instead of them. Children should ride in the back seat when there is a passenger airbag.
• Lap and shoulder belts together cut the risk of death and serious injury by almost 50 percent.
• Brakes: get them checked if the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels spongy. The parking brake must work too.
• Lights, mirrors, horn, wipers and muffler must all work. Some lights need a helper to check.
• Window tint: Rhode Island follows the federal standard of at least 70 percent visible light transmittance; violations bring a $250 fine.
• Vehicles up to 10,000 pounds may not be raised or lowered more than 4 inches from the factory height.