Rhode Island motorists often overlook basic traffic laws, such as not tailgating or passing on the right.
For many drivers, Rhode Island’s traffic laws are the basis of safe, courteous driving. However, others chose to ignore essential rules of the road. These drivers put everyone on the road in danger.
In this article, you’ll find seven of the most commonly ignored traffic laws on Rhode Island’s streets. Keep reading to learn what they are and what you can do to be a better driver.
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1. Rhode Island Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
Rhode Island requires any slower driver to move over to the right. If you are moving at less than the speed of traffic, use the right-hand lane or hug the right curb. Unless you are passing or getting ready to make a left turn, you have to get over to the right.
Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
2. Rhode Island Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
In Rhode Island, driving so slowly that you impede traffic is illegal. Though there is no statewide minimum speed, you can get a ticket for driving too slowly.
An exception exists for when you need to drive slowly to maintain safety or follow the law. So, you won’t get pulled over for slowing other drivers down by driving the speed limit.
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
3. Rhode Island Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
Rhode Island’s laws require that you pass other vehicles on the left. You also cannot cut off the other vehicle. Instead, you must completely overtake the car before moving back to the right.
When a pass requires you to cross the center line, you must be aware of any oncoming traffic. The traffic code states that you must complete your pass before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle headed in the opposite direction.
While being passed, you should give way to the other driver. You cannot speed up until the pass is completed.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall give a timely, audible signal and shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.
In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
4. Rhode Island Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
Under Rhode Island’s laws, you follow too closely if you fail to leave a “reasonable and prudent” gap between your car and the other vehicle.
What is considered reasonable can change based on weather, traffic, and the speed of the vehicles. However, when driving in a town’s residential or business district, you must leave enough space for a car to pass you and move back to the right.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway, and shall, whenever traveling through a business or residential district, and whenever traffic permits, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger.
5. Rhode Island Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
It is illegal to use your cell phone to type or read any texts while driving in Rhode Island. An exception to this law exists for when you need to contact emergency services like police, fire, or EMS.
No person shall use a wireless handset or personal wireless communication device to compose, read, or send text messages while driving a motor vehicle on any public street or public highway within the state of Rhode Island.
This shall not prohibit the use of any wireless handset or personal wireless communication device by a person using a wireless handset to contact law enforcement, public safety or police officers, emergency services officials, first aid, emergency medical technicians and personnel, and fire safety officials.
6. Rhode Island Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
Rhode Island’s traffic code solves the problem of who gets to go first at a four-way stop. The driver to the left must yield and allow the vehicle to the right to proceed first.
When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
7. Rhode Island Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before turning left on Rhode Island’s streets, you must yield the right of way. You must let any vehicles headed in the opposite direction that are close enough to create a hazard pass before you turn.
You also must yield to any pedestrians intending to use a crosswalk you are about to drive through. Once clear, you are allowed to signal and proceed into your turn.
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intended to turn to the left or right shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close to it as to constitute an immediate hazard, or shall yield to a pedestrian intending to cross within a crosswalk which the driver of the vehicle must travel to make the left or right turn.
The driver, having so yielded and having given a signal, may make the left or right turn, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection from the opposite direction shall yield the right of way to the vehicle making the left or right turn.
Rhode Island has a traffic code to ensure that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians reach their destinations safely. Following traffic laws will help make you a safer driver and prevent you from receiving a ticket. Keep these seven rules of the road in mind next time you get behind the wheel.