Rhode Island driving guide

Driving in a different state can mean that you have to follow a different set of rules and regulations on the road. Learn more about the driving rules in Rhode Island – from speed limits to tolls roads – to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Rhode Island and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• You must give right of way to any pedestrians or vehicles already on a traffic circle.
• Pedestrians should always get right of way on a crosswalk, or when crossing a road – even if they’re jaywalking.
• Drivers turning left at an intersection must give way to oncoming vehicles.
• You must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise, as well as when your wipers are in use and if visibility is less than 500 feet ahead. You should not use your high beams in adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow and fog.
• Drivers cannot hold a cell phone or any other wireless device while driving in Rhode Island. Headphones are also not permitted to be worn when driving, but in-car Bluetooth systems are allowed.

Speed limits in Rhode Island

When driving in Rhode Island, it can help to know the maximum speed limits for different road types and areas – in case there are no road signs or markings.

Toll roads in Rhode Island

There’s only one main toll road in Rhode Island, though there is also a separate toll route in the state that’s specific to tractors and trailers. The main one you’ll need to be aware of is the Clairborne/Pell Newport Bridge toll road.

Clairborne/Pell Newport Bridge

The Clairborne/Pell Newport Bridge is a time-saving road that gets you to Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island in Narrangansett Bay, without having to go through Providence. The toll is open 24/7 and always charges.

From: Newport on Aquidneck Island

To: Jamestown on Conanicut Island

Cost for car: $4.00 with E-ZPass

Cost for truck: $2.00 per axle

How to pay: You can pay with an E-ZPass, cash or debit/credit card. You can get a discount with an E-ZPass unlimited travel plan.

Driving ages and license requirements in Rhode Island

• The minimum driving age in Rhode Island is 17 for a full driving license.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Rhode Island with Hertz is 23.

If you’re under 25, you can find out more about renting with Hertz in our guide for young drivers.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Rhode Island

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Spare bulbs
• Your driving license
• Your rental agreement
• Your passport or national ID
• Proof of insurance
• A first aid kit
• Blankets
• Water
• Snacks/food
• A flashlight and spare batteries
• A hazard triangle
• A change of clothes/spare items for children

Please check your rental agreement for items that you are prohibited from carrying in your Hertz rental vehicle.

Rhode Island speed violations, infractions and penalties

If you get caught speeding in Rhode Island, there are several different tiers of penalty depending on whether it’s your first, second or third offense in 12 months.

• First offense – If you are 1-10mph over the limit, you will pay a fine of $95. If you are 11mph or more over, they will add $10 for every mile over the limit.
• Second offense (within 12 months) – If you are over the limit by 1-10mph, you will pay $10 per mile over the limit. For 11mph or more over, it’ll be $15 per mile over the limit.
• Third offense (within 12 months) – This comes with a mandatory court appearance, a 30-day license suspension and a $15 fine for every mile over the limit.

While Rhode Island doesn’t follow a points system, every violation will be recorded on your driving record.

Driving with children in Rhode Island

If you’re bringing young children with you to Rhode Island, there are a few things you’ll need to know around the state’s driving laws with children onboard:

• Children under eight years of age, weighing less than 80 pounds and smaller than 4’9” must be secured in the back seat.
• Infants and toddlers under two years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must be rear facing in a child seat.
• Children aged two and older who have outgrown their rear facing seat by weight or heigh can use a forward-facing seat with an appropriate harness.

Gas prices in Rhode Island

The average gas price in Rhode Island is $3.83 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.09 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Nissan Rogue, it works out at $0.12 per mile.
• For an SUV like a Ford Expedition, it’s around $0.17 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 15, 2022.  

Electric car charging in Rhode Island

Drivers of electric vehicles can choose from around 300 charging stations across Rhode Island. There are also plenty of free charging stations, with 53% of charging stations in Providence being completely free.

Other charging stations can be paid with a debit or credit card, but ChargePoint, Volta and Electrify America may have programs you can join.

Driving between Rhode Island and other states

Hertz understands that you may want to visit multiple destinations on your trip. That’s why we want to make it easier for you to get from location to location – book a one-way trip and head into Massachusetts or Connecticut  nearby.

Driving conditions in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island climate can be humid. Summers are usually warm, and temperatures can reach the mid-80°Fs, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 20°Fs. There can be rain, snow and ice in the winter, so please make sure you drive carefully.

Rhode Island can also have tropical storms and hurricanes that can cause significant damage. It’s best not to drive in these conditions unless your journey is an emergency.