Driving of motor vehicles - Rhode Island

Federal regulations

Rhode Island has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in intrastate and interstate commerce when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or is of any size transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials.

Engine Idling

The engine of a diesel motor vehicle may not idle in excess of five consecutive minutes in any 60 minute period.

Exceptions — A vehicle may idle for up to 15 minutes per hour when temperatures are between 0°F and 32°F. A vehicle may idle as needed to provide heat when temperatures are below 0°F. A passenger bus may idle for up to 15 minutes per hour to maintain on-board passenger comfort when temperatures are below 50°F. There are also exceptions for:

• traffic conditions;
• heating, cooling, or defrosting equipment for driver/passenger health or safety;
• powering work-related mechanical or electrical operations (mixing/processing cargo, straight truck refrigeration);
• maintenance, servicing, repair;
• inspection by law enforcement;
• emergency/law enforcement vehicles (police, fire, rescue, ambulance, military);
• armored vehicle when a guard is on board or the vehicle is being loaded/unloaded;
• airfield maintenance vehicles at a state owned airport; and
• auxiliary power (electricity generator on-site).

Speed limit

The speed limit is 65 mph (or as posted) on rural interstates and 55 mph on other highways.