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.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
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 Universal helmet law repealed 1976.
5 years
75 and over: renewal every 2 years
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Decriminalized and legal for medical use
Zero tolerance for THC and metabolites
65 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
65 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
55 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
55 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
55 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
55 (Rhode Island speed limits are not set by law, but by state traffic commission)
.10 and .15
30-180 days
None
Mandatory for all convictions
Yes
No
7 yrs or under and 80 lbs or over or 57" or taller
8-17 yrs
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
17 years, 6 months
16
6
50 (10)
16 / 6
1 a.m. - 5 a.m.
First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21
Primary
8 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Statewide
Permitted by state law
School zones, Monday - Friday, 7am - 6pm, August 15 - June 30
Permitted by state law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
As traffic volumes rise, State Highway Safety Offices increase efforts to protect road users
The number of pedestrians killed in vehicle crashes rose in 2020, despite fewer cars on the road amid the pandemic.
Story by Amanda Maile and Mina Kaji
May 20, 2021
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation Office of Highway Safety used grant funding from GHSA and Responsibility.org to provide law enforcement training to enhance efforts to combat drug impaired driving through a monthly training calendar for Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2018
Contact: Madison Forker, mforker@ghsa.org
202-789-0942 x120
Rhode Island recently passed a hands-free device ban to cut down on distracted driving. GHSA's Kara Macek discusses the benefits of these laws to law enforcement and compliance.
Article by Dylan McGuinness
May 28, 2018
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
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.
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
5 years
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs.
