Rhode Island speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Rhode Island's usual residential and highway speed limits.
• You can explain the basic speed law in your own words.
• You can describe when you must stop for a school bus.
• You can apply the move over law and other key rules.

What you need to know and understand

• The manual gives 25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways.
• The basic speed law means the posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions only.
• Speeding fines are doubled in posted work zones, 24 hours a day.
• Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, including on private roads and in parking lots.
• A first school bus violation can bring a fine and a license suspension of up to 30 days, with tougher penalties for repeat offenses.
• You must signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
• Earphones and headsets are not allowed while driving.

Limits and the basic speed law

Unless signs say otherwise, the manual lists 25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways. The basic speed law adds a second test: you may only drive as fast as conditions safely allow. In snow, rain, ice, fog or road construction, a safe speed can be well under the sign.

In work zones, obey the posted construction limit. Speeding fines are doubled there at any hour, and most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions, so leave extra space. Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is a $95 fine, and 11 mph or more over starts at $205.

School buses and emergency vehicles

• When a school bus shows flashing red lights, stop from either direction and stay stopped until the lights go off. This applies on private roads and in parking lots too.
• You do not stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier or median between you.
• When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, pull to the right and stop until it passes.
• Stay at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.
• Move over law: on a road with more than one lane in your direction, change lanes away from a stopped designated vehicle when safe. If you cannot move over safely, slow down.

Other Rhode Island laws to know

• Signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change.
• On multi-lane highways, use the left lane to pass and the right lane for normal driving.
• Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise, when you cannot see 500 feet ahead, and whenever your wipers are on.
• Clear snow and ice from your windows and roof before driving.
• Slow down and do not use your horn near a horse being ridden or driven.
• No driving while wearing earphones or a headset.

Common mistakes

• Driving at the posted limit in heavy rain or snow. The basic speed law can make that illegal.
• Driving past a school bus with flashing red lights in a parking lot.
• Forgetting that work zone fines are doubled even at night when no workers are visible.
• Signaling at the last moment instead of at least 100 feet before the turn.

Test yourself: Rhode Island speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Driver’s Ed
• Rhode Island 50 Hour Driving Log and Affidavit Checklist