Rhode Island Text Messaging Law

The new Rhode Island text messaging bill, Senate Bill 204B was signed into law on November 9th, 2009.

The new law will fine violators convicted of texting while driving based on the number of offenses.

First Offense - $85
Second Offense - $100
Third Offense - $125

The Following message was sent out by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation after the Governor signed the new bill.

"The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and its Office on Highway Safety are sending a message to drivers that it is now illegal to text while driving. Rhode Island is the 19th state, along with the District of Columbia, to pass such a law. Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed this bill into law last night.

Violators caught and convicted of texting while driving will get an $85 fine for the first offense, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a $125 fine for the third offense. This new law took effect immediately upon its passage.

“Driver inattention is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes and texting has been one of the most egregious forms of it,” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis. “This law will help put a driver’s eyes back on the road where they should be.”

RIDOT has plans to alert drivers of this law by running ads, using RIDOT’s highway variable message signs, putting information on social media sites, and reaching out to universities to let students know about the change.

“While this law helps us save lives, RIDOT is continuing to work towards a primary seat belt law. Doing so would prevent serious injuries and save even more lives while providing Rhode Island an additional $3.7 million in transportation infrastructure and highway safety funds,” said Lewis."

Rhode Island Cell Phone Law

The State of Rhode Island has regulations regarding the use of cellular phones while driving.

While Rhode Island driving laws do not include hands-free legislation, they do address driving and cell-phone use by minors and by operators of a school bus.

Rhode Island statute 31-22-11.9 prohibits drivers under the age of 18, from using a cellular device or any type of hand-held communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

If a minor is caught using a mobile communication device while driving, they will receive a fine of $50 for a first and second offense.

If a minor is caught using a cellular device for a 3rd subsequent conviction, the fine will be $100 and they will have their drivers license suspended until they reach the age of 18.

Like many cell-phone laws across the United States, there are exceptions for emergency situations.

There is another cell phone law in Rhode Island that pertains to school bus drivers. The driving law prohibits the use of a cell phone by a school bus driver while the bus is transporting children.

Like the teen law above there are exceptions for emergency situations.

If a civil action is brought as a result of driving a school bus while using a cell-phone, the violation will be considered "evidence of negligence."

State of Rhode Island Cell-Phone Law

If you are interested in visiting a government website with information regarding the State of Rhode Island Cell-phone laws, please proceed to the links listed below.

Information on the Rhode Island Cell Phone Driving Law For Minors

Information on the Rhode Island Cell Phone Driving Law for School Bus Drivers

Read the Rhode Island Text Messaging Law Legislation

Other Rhode Island Information on this Website

Rhode Island Automobile and SR22 Insurance

Rhode Island Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines

Rhode Island Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements