GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Rhode Island. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
| Increased Penalty for High BAC | Administrative License Suspension on First Offense | Limited Driving Privileges During Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| .10 and .15 | 30-180 days |
Mandatory for all convictions
| Open Container Laws | Repeat Offender Laws |
|---|---|
| Yes | No |
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
2 yrs or under and under 30 lbs in rear-facing child safety seat
7 yrs and under and shorter than 57" and under 80 lbs in child restraint
7 yrs or under and 80 lbs or over or 57" or taller
8-17 yrs
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
5 years
75 and over: renewal every 2 years
Helmets required for all riders under 21 or who have been licensed less than one year; helmets required for all passengers. Universal helmet law repealed 1976.
Primary
8 and over
All
Permitted by state law
School zones, Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm, August 15 - June 30
Permitted by state law
Statewide
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 65 | 65 |
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 55 | 55 |
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 55 | 55 |
*NOTE: Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission
17 years, 6 months
|
Minimum Age (Years/Months) |
Minimum Duration (Months) |
Required Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 6 | 50 (10) |
|
Minimum Age (Years/Months) |
Nighttime Driving Restriction |
Passenger Restriction (except family, unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 / 6 | 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. | First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21 |
