Rhode Island's Cell Phone-Use and Texting-While-Driving Laws

Generally, text messaging and all other handheld device use while driving is prohibited in Rhode Island. This article covers the specifics of Rhode Island's distracted driving laws, including the penalties for a cell phone or texting ticket.

Rhode Island's Distracted Driving (Texting and Cell Phones) Laws

Rhode Island has two separate distracted driving laws: one that applies to texting and another that applies to phone calls.

Texting While Driving in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's distracted driving law prohibits operating a vehicle while using any wireless communication device (including cell phones and tablets) to compose, read, or send a text message. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-22-30.)

Rhode Island's text messaging ban has several exceptions. The law doesn't apply to:

• on-duty emergency services professionals, including law enforcement, fire safety personnel, and emergency medical personnel
• drivers who use a wireless device to contact an emergency services professional, or
• drivers who are parked and out of the flow of traffic.

Hands-free operation of a device is also allowed.

Talking on a Cell Phone While Driving in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law also prohibits operating a vehicle while using a handheld wireless communication device (including cell phones and tablets) to "engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion." For purposes of the law, "engage in a call" means talking into or listening to but doesn't include activating, deactivating, or initiating a function of the device. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-22-31.)

There are several exceptions to Rhode Island's cell phone. The law doesn't apply to:

• on-duty peace officers, firefighters, ambulance and emergency vehicle drivers, taxi drivers, public utility workers, or truck and bus drivers without passengers, or
• drivers who use a handheld device in an emergency situation to call an emergency response operator, hospital, physician, health clinic, ambulance company, police department, fire department, or public utility company.

The law also permits drivers to talk on the phone in hands-free or voice-operated modes.

Rhode Island's Penalties for Distracted Driving Violations

The penalties for distracted driving tickets depend on the circumstances, including the driver's history and whether the violation involved texting or a phone call.

Penalties for Texting Tickets in Rhode Island

For a first texting-while-driving violation the motorist is looking at a fine of up to $100 and/or a maximum 30-day license suspension. A second offense carries a maximum $150 fine and/or a license suspension of up to three months. And anyone convicted of a third texting violation faces up to $250 in fines and a maximum six-month license suspension.

Penalties for Cell Phone Tickets in Rhode Island

Motorists who get caught talking on their cell phones while driving face up to $100 in fines.