Rhode Island Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of Rhode Island. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALRhode Island does not have any laws prohibiting driving barefoot. The state’s motor vehicle regulations do not mention footwear requirements, and no penalties exist for driving without shoes.
State Law
None
Practical Considerations
None
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALRhode Island General Laws § 31-14-1 prohibits motorcycles from lane splitting. Motorcycles must remain within a single lane and are not allowed to pass between lanes of traffic.
Lane Splitting Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Lane Filtering Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting.
Penalties
Violations may result in fines and points on the license.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
RESTRICTEDLicense plate covers are restricted in Rhode Island. No significant legislative changes since 2023, but there is a continued emphasis on ensuring that plates are not obstructed.
Usage Rules
Clear covers may be legal; tinted/smoked covers illegal
Purchase & Sale
Legal to sell clear covers
Penalties
Traffic citation and fines for obscured plates.
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar detectors are legal for use and possession in private vehicles in Rhode Island. There are no state laws restricting radar detectors for private passenger vehicles.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal to possess and use in private vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALRadar jammers are federally illegal in all states including Rhode Island under FCC regulations. There have been no recent legislative changes in Rhode Island regarding laser jammers.
State Law
Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal
Federal Law
Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal
Penalties
Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in Rhode Island after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. Rhode Island law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
LEGALStudded Snow Tires are legal in Rhode Island. The use of studded tires is restricted to specific winter months in Rhode Island.
Usage Rules
Legal during winter season only
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal
Penalties
Fines for use outside the permitted season.
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDRhode Island General Laws §31-22-22 restrict window tinting to 35% VLT on front side windows and 35% on rear side and back windows. Reflective tinting is prohibited. Medical exemptions are allowed with certification.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession of vehicles with illegal tint is allowed but subject to enforcement if driven.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of non-compliant tint films is prohibited.
Penalties
Fines up to $100 and orders to remove illegal tint.
Age Restriction
None