Rhode Island: Rules of the Road Questions
11 real, verified Rhode Island driving-test questions on rules of the road, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Rules of the Road practice round.
1. Can a Rhode Island driver turn right on red?
Why: Rhode Island drivers are permitted to turn right at a red light after a full stop, unless a "no turn on red" sign is posted, and must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first.
2. Can a Rhode Island driver be pulled over solely because a passenger isn't buckled?
Why: Rhode Island's Seat Belt Use Law is a primary law for all ages, meaning a driver can be pulled over solely because someone is unbuckled; the fine is $40 per occupant.
3. What size threshold exempts a Rhode Island child under 8 from needing a full child restraint system?
Why: A Rhode Island child under 8, under 57 inches, and under 80 pounds needs a rear-seated child restraint system; meeting either the height or weight threshold instead allows a rear-seat safety belt.
4. What's the fine for a Rhode Island child over 7 not wearing a seatbelt?
Why: The fine for a child riding in the front seat when required to be in back, or a child over 7 without a seatbelt, is $85; a missing required child restraint system mandates a court appearance instead.
5. What's the penalty for a first violation of Rhode Island's school bus stop law?
Why: A motorist must stop for a school bus's flashing red lights and stay stopped until they turn off; a first violation carries a fine of up to $300 and/or a suspension of up to 30 days.
6. When doesn't a Rhode Island driver need to stop for a school bus's flashing red lights?
Why: A motorist doesn't have to stop for a school bus's flashing red lights when the bus is opposite them on a divided highway, or when the bus is stopped in a loading zone.
7. Which Rhode Island bicycle riders must wear a certified helmet?
Why: Any Rhode Island bicycle rider or passenger 15 years old or younger must wear a certified bicycle helmet; no more than two bicycles may ride side by side.
8. At an uncontrolled Rhode Island intersection, which vehicle has the right-of-way?
Why: In the absence of signs or signals, when two vehicles approach an intersection at about the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
9. Can a Rhode Island driver wear earphones while driving on a public highway?
Why: Rhode Island drivers are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway while wearing earphones or a headset.
10. Can a Rhode Island driver under 18 use a hands-free phone while driving?
Why: Rhode Island drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone at all while driving, including a hands-free device or speakerphone -- the only exception is an actual emergency.
11. Is texting while driving legal in Rhode Island for a driver over 21?
Why: Texting while driving is forbidden for a driver of any age in Rhode Island -- no one may use a wireless handset to compose, read, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle.
More Rhode Island Topics
- Crashes, Insurance & License Actions (5)
- DUI & Alcohol Laws (6)
- Licensing Procedure & Documents (8)
- Minor & Provisional Licensing (10)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with RI DMVbefore your exam. Take the full Rhode Island practice test or check the Rhode Island cheat sheet.