20 questions from the Rhode Island driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Under Rhode Island law, what is the fine for a vehicle operator who fails to ensure that passengers are properly wearing safety belts?
Answer: $40.00 per occupant. The handbook states that the fine for violating the safety belt compliance section is $40.00 for each occupant.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 26: “The fine for violation of this section is $40.00 per occupant.”
2. What is the fine for a violation involving a child riding in the front seat or a child over age seven not being in a child restraint system?
Answer: $85.00. The handbook distinguishes this specific violation from general belt violations, setting the fine at $85.00 for these particular child restraint issues.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 27: “The fine, after a violation is sustained, for a child riding in the front seat or for a child over age seven (7) years not in a child restraint system is $85.00.”
3. According to the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, what is the minimum tread depth required for tires?
Answer: At least 2/32 of an inch. The manual specifies that tires must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread to be considered serviceable.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 68: “You may not drive on a tire that has less than 2/32 of an inch of tread”
4. When performing a three-point turn on a narrow street, what action should you take after coming to a complete stop and before driving forward?
Answer: Signal your intent with your left directional signal or with the four-way hazard lights. The manual states that after stopping, the driver must signal their intent using either the left directional signal or hazard lights before proceeding.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 31: “After you have come to a complete stop, signal your intent with your left directional signal or with the four-way hazard lights”
5. When driving on a freeway, which lane is designated for slower moving traffic and for motorists entering or exiting?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook specifies that the right lane serves slower traffic and entry/exit maneuvers, distinguishing it from passing and through lanes.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 35: “The right lane is for slower moving traffic and for motorists entering and exiting the freeway.”
6. When smoke is seen coming from under the hood of your vehicle, what is the correct procedure regarding the hood?
Answer: Do not open the hood if flames are shooting. The manual advises against opening the hood when flames are visible to prevent potential explosion or worsening of the fire.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 46: “If the fire is under the hood and flames are shooting, DO NOT open the hood of the vehicle.”
7. What action should a driver take if they miss their exit ramp on a highway?
Answer: Go on to the next exit. The manual instructs drivers to proceed to the next exit rather than stopping or reversing when they miss their intended exit.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 36: “If you miss your exit ramp, go on to the next exit. Never stop and back up to the missed exit.”
8. When controlling a vehicle that begins to skid, what should you do with the steering wheel?
Answer: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. The manual advises turning the steering wheel toward the desired direction of travel to regain control during a skid.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 43: “Look and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go.”
9. According to the Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, how long are fines doubled for speeding tickets issued within designated construction work zones?
Answer: Twenty-four (24) hours a day. The manual states that the doubled fines apply for the full twenty-four-hour period in these zones.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 73: “Note: Fines are doubled for speeding tickets issued within these designated areas twenty-four (24) hours a day.”
10. What technique does the handbook recommend for operators of motor vehicles to safely open their doors?
Answer: Use the 'Dutch Reach' by opening the driver’s door with the right hand and looking out the side and rear windows. The handbook describes the 'Dutch Reach' method, which involves using the opposite hand to open the door, forcing the driver to turn their head and check blind spots.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 56: “Operators of motor vehicles should practice ‘Dutch Reach’. This is the practice of opening the driver’s door with the right hand, turning your head, and looking out the side and rear windows.”
11. How should a driver behave when approaching a bicyclist to avoid startling them?
Answer: Avoid sounding the horn as the loud noise can startle them. The handbook advises against honking because the noise can startle cyclists, causing them to swerve unexpectedly.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 55: “Don’t sound your horn as you approach a cyclist as the loud noise can startle them and cause them to swerve.”
12. For children under eighteen years of age, where does the handbook recommend they sit for optimal safety regarding airbags?
Answer: Back seat. The guidelines for children under eighteen state that the back seat is the safest place for them due to airbag safety considerations.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 27: “Back seat. Safest place for airbag safety.”
13. According to the Child Restraint Law, a child under eight years old must be in a child restraint system unless they meet which specific criteria?
Answer: They are at least fifty-seven inches in height or at least eighty pounds. The law specifies that children under eight can use a standard seat belt instead of a child restraint system if they meet either the height requirement of 57 inches or the weight requirement of 80 pounds.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 26: “If the child is under eight (8) years old but at least fifty-seven (57) inches in height, or at least eighty (80) pounds the child shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness approved by the Department of Transportation pursuant to Federal Standard 208 in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle.”
14. When pulling into a street or driveway on the left, what should you do immediately after the car has crossed the curb line?
Answer: Straighten the front wheels and stop. The instructions specify that once the curb line is crossed, the driver must straighten the wheels and stop before checking for traffic.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 31: “when you have entered the street or driveway (the car has crossed the curb line), straighten the front wheels and stop,”
15. Which of the following is listed as a factor that influences a person's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
Answer: How much food you ate before drinking. The handbook lists the amount of food eaten before drinking as one of the factors determining BAC levels.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 61: “How much food you ate before drinking.”
16. According to the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, what is the required following distance rule for safe driving?
Answer: The three-second-following-distance rule. The handbook identifies the three-second-following-distance rule as the standard method for determining a safe following distance.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 35: “The easiest way to tell if you are a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you is the threesecond-following-distance rule.”
17. Under what condition is passing a vehicle on the right permitted?
Answer: When the motor vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn. The handbook lists specific conditions for passing on the right, including when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 34: “When the motor vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn”
18. What is the required minimum number of community service hours for a 2nd violation (within a 5-year period) with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.15%?
Answer: 20 hours. For a 2nd violation with a BAC of 0.08% - 0.15%, the handbook specifies a range of '20 – 60 hours of community service', making 20 the minimum.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 63: “■ $86 fee ■ 20 – 60 hours of community service ■ Special course on driving while intoxicated or under influence of a controlled substance and/or ■ $500 highway safety assessment alcohol/drug treatment BAC: 0.08% - 0.15% (or unknown) 2nd violation (within a 5-year period) – Misdemeanor”
19. Which hand signal indicates that a driver intends to turn right?
Answer: Put left hand and arm up. The handbook specifies that raising the left hand and arm is the signal for turning right.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 38: “To turn right: Put left hand and arm up, keeping hand and arm still.”
20. Why is it important to maintain vehicle control and brake hard during the threat of a head-on collision?
Answer: Slowing lessens the force of the impact and gives the other driver space. The handbook explains that slowing down reduces impact force and provides space for the other driver to recover.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 44: “Slowing lessens the force of the impact, gives the other driver space and time to recover control.”