Rhode Island Laws
TITLE 31 Motor and Other vehicles
§ 31-3.2-6 Rules and regulations. – (a) With a view of achieving maximum use of snowmobiles and/or recreational vehicles, the director of natural resources shall adopt rules and regulations for the following purposes:
(1) Registration of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles and display of registration numbers.
(2) Use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles insofar as game and fish resources are affected.
(3) Use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles on public lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the director of natural resources.
(4) Uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, cities and towns, which are necessary or desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles.
(5) Specifications relating to snowmobiles and recreational vehicles’ mufflers.
(b) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter in the manner provided by this title regulating the use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles on streets and highways.
§ 31-3.2-7 Operation. – Operation on streets and highways. (a)
(1) No person shall operate a snowmobile or recreational vehicle upon the roadway shoulder, on the inside bank or slope on any highway in this state, or elsewhere within the right of way, except as provided in this chapter. No snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be operated at any time within the right of way of any interstate highway or freeway within this state.
(2) A snowmobile or recreational vehicle may make a direct crossing of a street or highway at any hour of the day provided:
(i) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
(ii) The snowmobile or recreational vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway;
(iii) The driver yields the right of way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard;
(iv) In crossing a divided highway the crossing is made only at an intersection of the highway, with another public street or highway; and
(v) If the crossing is made between the hours of one-half ( 1/2) hour after sunset to one-half ( 1/2) hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.
(3) No snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be operated upon a public street or highway unless it is equipped with at least one head lamp and one tail lamp, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by regulations of the director; reflector material of a minimum area of sixteen (16) square inches mounted on each side forward of the handlebars; and with brakes. All of these shall conform to standards prescribed by rule of the director.
(4) A snowmobile or recreational vehicle may be operated upon a public street or highway other than as provided by subsection (a)(2) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
(i) International contests, use of highways, etc. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of snowmobiles or recreational vehicles within the right of way of any highway or upon public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the director of environmental management in any international contest, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.
(ii) Operation generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicles in the following unsafe or harassing ways:
(A) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances;
(B) In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage to it;
(C) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, or habit-forming drugs; (D) Without a lighted head light and tail light when required for safety;
(4) A snowmobile or recreational vehicle may be operated upon a public street or highway other than as provided by subsection (a)(2) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
(i) International contests, use of highways, etc. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of snowmobiles or recreational vehicles within the right of way of any highway or upon public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the director of environmental management in any international contest, subject to the consent of the official or board having jurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.
(ii) Operation generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicles in the following unsafe or harassing ways:
(A) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances;
(B) In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage to it;
(C) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, or habit-forming drugs; (D) Without a lighted head light and tail light when required for safety;
(2) For the second offense, a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment of sixty (60) days, or both; or
(3) For any subsequent offense, a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for ninety (90) days, or both.
Where to Ride ATVs, UTVs and/ or Side by Sides in Rhode Island
Please Note: While searching for locations to ride ATVs, UTVs, and/or Side x Sides in Rhode Island we came across the following places. The following places to ride all terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and side by sides in Rhode Island is a list we have come up with by researching, we are not affiliated with any of these places and/or locations and highly recommend contacting and confirming information before planning a ride. We make every effort to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and true. However, we cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information provided by outside sources.
According to Regulation 8.13, from the Department of Environmental Management, ATV or UTV operation is permitted only in the following public lands on designated trails. However, the Department of Environmental Management has said there are no (as of January 2021) designated trails for ATV or UTV use on any public lands in Rhode Island, and that use is only permitted on private property with permission. This can be confusing as the statute that permits use on designated trails also pertains to snowmobiles and there are designated snowmobile trails. As such, we recommend contacting the Department of Environmental Management if you think a trail has been designated open for ATV or UTV use. Also note, it is not permissible to operate an ATV or UTV in any Management Area during the hunting hours of the shot-gun deer seasons.
The Rhode Island Trail Club/ Arcadia Management Area
www.ritrialsclub.com / www.riparks.com
The Road Island Trials Club is under temporary agreement with the Department of Environmental Management. The club provides access to about 900 acres within the Arcadia Management Area for observed area for observed trails, events and practice. Membership is required and there are no true motorcycle or ATV trails within this forest. The terrain mainly consists of ledges, rocky creeks plus steep and narrow climbs.