Equipment lights and sensors — Rhode Island Permit Test

The motorist is responsible for checking that the headlights, taillights, signals, brake, backup, running, parking and panel lights work.

A driver with a dead brake light gets hit from behind because no one knows he is stopping.

It is the responsibility of the motorist to check his/her headlights, taillights, directional, brake, backup, running, parking, and instrument panel lights to ensure they in fact work.

Some lights must be checked with help from another person.

A driver alone in the car cannot see if his own brake lights come on.

Note: Certain lights must be checked with the assistance of another person.

In winter, snow, ice or salt grime can block a car's safety-system sensors and shut them down, so check them for obstructions.

A car whose sensors are packed with snow may not brake for the car ahead as its driver expects.

As snow, ice, or salt grime gathers on cars in winter, many of the sensors that are key to the operation of advanced safety systems can become blocked and shut down.

Who is responsible for checking that your vehicle's lights work?

The motorist. A driver with a dead brake light gets hit from behind because no one knows he is stopping. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.68: “It is the responsibility of the motorist to check his/her headlights, taillights, directional, brake, backup, running, parking, and instrument panel lights to ensure they in fact work.”