AARP Smart Driver

Smart Driver™ Course State-Specific Information AARP Driver Safety Page 3 of 4 RHODE ISLAND D20715 – May 2024 Handicapped Parking – Participant Guidebook Page 74 Drivers with disabilities must display either a special registration plate or placard to park indesignated persons with disabilities parking spaces. Drivers may not park in disabled parking spaces if the vehicle does not display a valid parking placard or plate. Driving in Rain, Snow, Fog, Smoke, Dust and Other Conditions – Participant Guidebook Page 75-77 Drivers must turn on their headlights if visibility is less than 500 feet. Drivers must turn on their headlights if they are using their windshield wipers. Drivers must remove snow from their vehicles, so it does not blow off onto other vehicles. Drivers may use tire chains of "reasonable proportions" when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions from November 15 to April 1. Sharing the Road with Emergency Vehicles – Participant Guidebook Page 82 On any undivided highway on which an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights and siren on, all traffic shall yield to the right, clear of any intersection, and shall stop. If an emergency vehicle or disabled vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of a freeway with its flashing lights on, the driver must move over a lane away from the activity. If it is not possible to change lanes, the driver must reduce their speed and be prepared to stop. This also applies to tow trucks or other assistive vehicles pulled over on the side of the road. Sharing the Road with School Buses – Participant Guidebook Page 82 The driver of a vehicle is required to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing and is stopped in the far-right lane on a five-lane undivided highway. Drivers are not required to stop for a bus if they are traveling in the opposite direction a divided roadway. Drivers must not follow a school bus within 50 feet. Sharing the Road with Motorcycles – Participant Guidebook Page 83 Lane Splitting is when a motorcycle rides between vehicles. Lane Splitting is not allowed in Rhode Island. Rhode Island law requires passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets. Any operator under twenty-one, must at all times wear a certified helmet. Sharing the Road with Bicycles – Participant Guidebook Page 84 When passing a bicyclist, drivers must maintain a safe distance meaning that if the bicyclist were to falll over, there would still be enough room to avoid contact. If a driver makes a right turn while a cyclist is on their right, they must yield the right-of-way to the cyclist. If a cyclist reaches an intersection before the driver, the driver must yield the right-of-way and let them cross.

• Cover