ATV Riding Laws - Rhode Island

Rhode Island has laws in place regarding the safety and operation of ATVs. These vehicles fall under recreational vehicles for the region and can only be operated on public land in Bristol, Kent, Providence, and Washington Counties in the areas designated. Private use is not restricted.

Safety Regulations

Laws in Rhode Island require that all riders of all-terrain vehicles wear a safety helmet for their protection. These helmets must adhere to the safety standards of the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

When riding an ATV during hunting season, operators must refrain from accessing management areas and also cannot carry a firearm or bow and arrow or any accessories related to these weapons.

The state allows night riding from one-half hour before the sun is to rise to 11 p.m. While a buddy system is required in the evening for snowmobiles, the state does not require this of ATV riders.

ATVs must heed the right of way to any pedestrian, horse or traffic that they come across when crossing the road.

Youth Operation

Youths under the age of 12 are prohibited from operating any type of recreational vehicle on the Department of Environmental Management property. Individuals over 12 years old but under 16 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult when riding. This adult is liable for any injuries that occur to the child as well as any property damage they cause during operation

Equipment Requirements

The state does have equipment requirements for ATV owners. A red reflector must adhere to the rear of any all-terrain vehicle. It needs to visible when riding at night from a distance of 500 feet by headlight beams of any passing vehicle. This reflector can be foregone if the taillight of the ATV is reflectorized.

All-terrain vehicles must also be equipped with a white or amber headlight if they will be operating on public highways, or during sunset or sunrise hours. The ATV should be outfitted with a muffler that is designed to reduce excessive noise from the vehicle. Recreational vehicles that are newer than June 1, 1972, must have a muffler rated to 82 dB at 50 ft. Those newer than June 1, 1974, must be rated at 73 dB.

Brakes need to include a hand or foot operation to stop the machine at 12 feet and a deflector shield is also required on these machines to prevent wind, snow or objects from hitting the driver.