Rhode Island (RI) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Rhode Island is not at the top of the list for teen accidents and it wants to keep it that way. In order to continue to keep teen drivers safe in the state, Rhode Island operates under a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Continue reading to learn more about the Rhode Island Graduated Driver Licensing system and how to get started on the path to full licensing. 

Rhode Island Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

The Rhode Island Graduated Driver Licensing system has three stages:

1.    Instruction permit
2.    Provisional license
3.    Full operator license
 
Instruction Permit
You must be at last 16 years of age to obtain an instruction permit. A parent or guardian must sign the DMV application in person. The teen must provide a birth certificate or valid passport, social security card, and a certificate of completion of a state approved driver education course. The instruction permit is valid for 1 year, but it must be held for a minimum of 6 months before applying for a provisional license. During the 6 months, you must complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice, including 10 hours at night.

Provisional License
Once you have completed the requirements of the instruction permit, you may apply for your provisional license. You must take your instruction permit to the Rhode Island DMV, and your 50-hour certification signed by your parent or legal guardian. You must complete the application and take a road test. Your parent, legal guardian or instructor must be present during the application process. 
The provisional automatically expires when you turn 18.

Full Operator License
You are ready for your full operator license after you have held your provisional license for at least 1 year without any convictions or moving violations.

Rhode Island Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Under the terms of the instruction permit, a licensed driver must be seated next to you in the front passenger seat at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule. Provisional license holders must adhere to the following restrictions or risk license suspension:

•    Supervising driver must accompany the provisional license holder at all times
•    Provisional license holder may not operate a motor vehicle unaccompanied between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless he is driving to and from work, volunteer activities or emergencies
•    License holder may transport only 1 person under the age of 21, outside of family members

Rhode Island Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

It is against the law for Rhode Island teens, under age 18, to talk on a cell phone while driving. And on April 7, 2009, the Rhode Island senate approved a ban on text messaging while driving. Fines for violating Rhode Island’s handheld cell phone ban range from $50-$100. For teens operating a motor vehicle under a provisional or restricted license, this could result in a delay in licensing and points against your driving record.

Rhode Island Teen DUI Laws

Like most other states, in the state of Rhode Island, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. In Rhode Island, this law is called a “zero tolerance” law. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Rhode Island teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you will lose your driving privileges or your driver licensing may be delayed. In addition, you may have to perform community service and you may have to enroll in a substance abuse program.

Rhode Island Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Whether you are an adult or a teen, auto insurance in Rhode Island is mandatory. The minimum coverages required by law are $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury liability and $25,000 for property damage. Additional insurance such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is not required in Rhode Island, but because Rhode Island follows a Tort system, Rhode Island auto insurance companies recommend that driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums. The recommended amount of UM/UIM is $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury.

Rhode Island auto insurance companies will also recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits based on statistics confirming that the risk of a car crash is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel than his second or third. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.