Rhode Island: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Rhode Island on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Rhode Island compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	10 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	15 days
Accept or deny	21 days after proof of loss
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after affirming liability

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	Confirm with the clerk
Lawyers	Not required for individuals

Total loss rules Single detailed source

Total loss rule	75% of fair market value

Shared fault rules

Rule	Pure comparative negligence
When you are barred	Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $1,000 damage
Deadline	21 days

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	4 attempts or 30 calendar days
Coverage period	1 year or 15,000 miles, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	7.00%
Combined average	7.00%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 21 or licensed under 1 year, and all passengers

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	41.1¢ per gallon
Diesel	41.1¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	12.4%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical