When driving in Rhode Island, being familiar with the state’s specific traffic laws is fundamental. This will ensure your safety on the road and help you avoid legal issues. This guide will briefly overview Rhode Island traffic laws, including speed limits and DUI laws.
Speed Limits in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) and local law enforcement enforce the state’s speed limits. Most of Rhode Island’s highways and interstates have a 65-mile-per-hour speed limit (mph). There are, however, exceptions to this rule. For instance, the speed limit on certain sections of Interstate 95 is 55 miles per hour. In addition, most residential streets have a 25 mph speed limit.
There are “absolute speed limits” in Rhode Island. This means exceeding the posted speed limit is illegal, even if you believe it is safe.
DUI Regulations in Rhode Island
Rhode Island takes driving under the influence (DUI) extremely seriously. If caught driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, you will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence. If convicted, you will face penalties, including fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension.
It’s important to note that Rhode Island has an “implied consent” law. Suppose a law enforcement officer pulls you over and suspects you of DUI. In that case, you must submit to a chemical test (such as a Breathalyzer) to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Should you choose to disregard the Breathalyzer test, you run the risk of having your driver’s license revoked for a period of six months.
Rhode Island’s mobile phone and texting laws
Rhode Island has strict laws against driving while distracted. While driving, using a cell phone or other electronic device is illegal unless it is in hands-free mode. This means you cannot hold your phone while driving or use it to make calls, send texts, or browse the internet. You will face fines and possibly jail time if caught violating this law.
A few exceptions exist to this rule. For instance, you are permitted to use your cell phone while driving if you communicate with law enforcement or report an emergency.
Additional Rhode Island Traffic Rules
- Seatbelt laws in Rhode Island require all front-seat drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Children younger than eight must use an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat.
- Right-of-way laws: At crosswalks and intersections, drivers in Rhode Island must yield to pedestrians. In addition, motorists must yield to emergency vehicles approaching with their lights and sirens activated.
- In Rhode Island, drivers are required to use their turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Failure to do so might result in a fine.
Rhode Island Seat Belt Regulations & Car Seat Guidelines
In Rhode Island, a primary seat belt law (R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22) is in place that includes provisions for child restraints and child passenger safety.
Drivers must correctly wear a seat belt or shoulder harness while operating a vehicle on any state roadway, street, or highway, as stated in R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22(g)(1). Passengers aged eight or older must wear a seat belt or harness system in any seating position, according to R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22(b)(1).
When transporting a child under eight years old, shorter than 57 inches, and weighing less than 80 pounds on Rhode Island’s roadways, streets, or highways, the child must be seated in a rear seating position and properly restrained using the U.S.
Department of Transportation-approved child restraint system, as per R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22(a)(1). Infants and toddlers under two years old or weighing under 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Children who are at least two years old and have outgrown their forward-facing car seat because of their height or weight need to use a forward-facing car seat, including a harness up to the maximum limit that the manufacturer of the child restraint allows, following R.I.G.L. § 31-22-22(a)(1).
NOTE: Vehicle operators are accountable for compliance with sections (a), (b), and (f) for all passengers. The fine amount for a child riding in the front seat or over eight years old without a seatbelt is $85. A violation for transporting a child that is not in a child restraint system necessitates a court appearance.
Source: Seat Belt Laws & Car Seat Recommendations – Rhode Island.