Rhode Island Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban binds you in Rhode Island regardless of the state's carve-outs (49 CFR 392.82). Rhode Island bans hand-held calls (§31-22-31) and texting (§31-22-30) for drivers as primary offenses, with the hand-held fine capped at $100. The state law lists exemptions and assesses no license points, but the federal hand-held ban has neither, so a call that clears you under state law still cites at inspection.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Rhode Island’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban binds you in Rhode Island regardless of the state's carve-outs (49 CFR 392.82). Rhode Island bans hand-held calls (§31-22-31) and texting (§31-22-30) for drivers as primary offenses, with the hand-held fine capped at $100. The state law lists exemptions and assesses no license points, but the federal hand-held ban has neither, so a call that clears you under state law still cites at inspection.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Rhode Island bans texting for every driver (§31-22-30) and hand-held phone calls (§31-22-31), both primary offenses.
- Fine: Up to $100 for a hand-held call (§31-22-31); texting under §31-22-30 runs $100 first, $150 second, $250 third or later. Primary enforcement. Rhode Island uses no license-point system.
- Points: Rhode Island keeps no driver point system — the penalty is the fine plus possible suspension for repeats. Your federal exposure is separate and heavier: two hand-held convictions in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Rhode Island Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Rhode Island?
What is the phone fine in Rhode Island?
Is texting while driving illegal in Rhode Island?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE31/31-22/31-22-31.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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