Cell phones under 18 — Rhode Island Permit Test

Rhode Island bars drivers under 18 from using a cell phone while driving.

New drivers already miss hazards, and a phone call takes the rest of their attention.

Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a personal wireless communication device commonly call a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, per R.I.G.L. 31-22-11.8, 31-22-11.9, 31-22-30 and 31-22-31.

The ban on phone use by drivers under 18 includes hands-free devices and speakerphones.

The talk itself pulls a new driver's mind off the road, even with both hands on the wheel.

This includes a prohibition from using a hands-free device or speakerphone.

A driver under 18 may use a cell phone only in an emergency, and should pull to a safe location and call 911.

A teen who calls 911 while still driving through the emergency may cause a second crash.

The only time a minor is permitted to use a cell phone is in an emergency.

A driver under 18 convicted a third time for using a cell phone pays a $250 fine and loses the license until age 18.

A teen who keeps using the phone after two fines has shown money alone will not stop it.

Third and subsequent offences = $250.00 fine + lose license until 18 years of age.

Under what age is a Rhode Island driver barred from using a cell phone while driving?

Under 18. New drivers already miss hazards, and a phone call takes the rest of their attention. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.36: “Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a personal wireless communication device commonly call a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, per R.I.G.L. 31-22-11.8, 31-22-11.9, 31-22-30 and 31-22-31.”