Safety Laws

Reporting a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving is a very serious offense. Residents convicted of a DUI face license suspension, fines, community service, a highway safety assessment, drunk driving school, mandatory alcohol treatment, and a possible jail sentence.

If you see someone you suspect is operating under the influence of alcohol, call 911 to report:

• Your location and the location of the suspected drunk driver

• A description of the driver's vehicle, including make, model, and license plate number

• Any specific behaviors you have witnessed, such as tailgating or excessive swerving, that have led you to believe the driver may be intoxicated

Car Seat Safety

• Children under age seven, less than 54 inches tall, and weighing less than 80 lbs. must be transported in the rear seating position of a motor vehicle and properly restrained in a child restraint system. However, children under the age of seven can be exempt from being transported in the rear seating position if the vehicle has no backseat or all rear positions are already being occupied by other children.

• Children between the ages of seven and 12 must be wearing a properly fitting seat belt.

Parents ticketed for violating the state's child restraint law must appear in court.

If you need assistance selecting a safety seat for your child, review the DMV.ORG articles on How to Buy a Child Safety Seat and How to Install a Child Safety Seat.

Seat Belts, Age 13 and Over

Rhode Island's seat belt law states that any passenger age 13 or over must be restrained wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness. The fine for an unrestrained passenger is $75.

Headlights

Proper headlight usage is an important part of safe driving. In Rhode Island, you are legally required to use your headlights when:

• Driving from sunset to sunrise

• You can't see more than 500 feet in front of your vehicle

• Weather conditions require the use of your windshield wipers

You should dim your bright headlights when meeting another vehicle at a distance of at least 500 feet, or when following another motorist at 200 feet or less.

Cell Phones

Drivers under the age of 18 and school bus drivers can be ticketed for using a cell phone while driving.

Studies have shown that drivers who are distracted by cell phone usage are involved in significantly more auto accidents than other motorists. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all motorists limit cell phone usage within their vehicles. If possible, pull over to a gas station or other safe location before making your call.

Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmets

Motorcycles

Although Rhode Island does not mandate motorcycle helmet use for the general population, the following provisions apply:

• All passengers must wear helmets, regardless of age.

• All operators must wear helmets during the first year of licensure, regardless of age.

• Operators under the age of 20 are legally required to wear helmets whenever traveling on the state's roads.

Bicycles

Bicycle helmets are legally required for riders age eight and under. In addition, whenever there is a safe bicycle path near a roadway, riders are encouraged to use the path instead of traveling on the road.